§ 50. Mr. Swinglerasked the Minister of Defence the latest figures of the numbers of officers and men of the three Services on regular engagements; and his estimates of the numbers required on 31st March, 1949.
§ Mr. AlexanderThe numbers of Regular officers and men in the three Services on 1st January were: Royal Navy, 111,400; Army, 160,100; Royal Air Force, 99,600.
The strength of the Regular Forces on 31st March, 1949, will depend on recruiting, and, although no firm estimate can 1236 be given, it is hoped that they will be built up to about: Royal Navy; 125,000; Army, 190,000; Royal Air Force, 130,000. In addition the Army hope to have about 10,000 and the Royal Air Force 18,0o0 in the regular women's Services.