HC Deb 10 July 1956 vol 556 cc187-8
37. Mr. H. Hynd

asked the Secretary of State for War how many officers of the rank of brigadier and upwards there now are in the Army; and by how many the number will be reduced as a consequence of redeployment of our troops.

Mr. Head

Five hundred and thirty-six. I cannot yet say what reduction will be achieved.

Mr. Hynd

Does that figure include only officers on the Active List, or does it include also those who are retired or on the Reserve List? Is there not a tendency at present for the number of higher ranks to increase while the number in the Army generally is decreasing?

Mr. Head

These are only those on the Active List. So far as senior officers are concerned, our object is to have the minimum necessary for the size of Army we maintain.