Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether the rules have been relaxed on Sea Cadets attending memorial and ceremonial events where alcoholic drinks will be available for adults.

Answered by Lord Coaker - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Government has not relaxed the rules regarding Sea Cadets attending memorial and ceremonial events where alcohol is present. Safeguarding remains paramount, and existing guidance continues to ensure that cadets are appropriately supervised and that their participation in such events is managed in line with youth protection standards.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether approval has now been given for Sea Cadets to take part in rifle range shooting on the same basis as all other cadet forces; and, if so, whether new armouries will be required.

Answered by Lord Coaker - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Sea Cadet Corps (SCC) operates in accordance with policies set by the Marine Society and Sea Cadet Charity. In doing so, SCC remain compliant with Ministry of Defence (MOD) regulations governing all cadet forces. Cadets aged 12 and over may participate in rifle range shooting under MOD cadet force conditions. Those under 12 are limited to prone air rifle use.

Rifles may be carried for ceremonial duties with formal approval, as part of the SCC’s structured advancement syllabus and drill training, in accordance with Sea Cadet Regulations. New armouries/secure rooms will be required in some locations to meet MOD standards for secure storage and sustainment of cadet weapon systems.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether approval has been given for guards formed of Sea Cadets to carry rifles on the same basis as all the other cadet forces.

Answered by Lord Coaker - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Sea Cadet Corps (SCC) operates in accordance with policies set by the Marine Society and Sea Cadet Charity. In doing so, SCC remain compliant with Ministry of Defence (MOD) regulations governing all cadet forces. Cadets aged 12 and over may participate in rifle range shooting under MOD cadet force conditions. Those under 12 are limited to prone air rifle use.

Rifles may be carried for ceremonial duties with formal approval, as part of the SCC’s structured advancement syllabus and drill training, in accordance with Sea Cadet Regulations. New armouries/secure rooms will be required in some locations to meet MOD standards for secure storage and sustainment of cadet weapon systems.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have made an assessment of the value of introducing a maritime passport.

Answered by Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill - Minister of State (Department for Transport)

My Department’s priority is to ensure that UK seafarers and operators have the latest and most secure documents to facilitate their operations and movement. The maritime passport is an interesting concept that we will consider further as we move forward with updating all our documentation requirements.