§ 24. Mr. Morrisasked the Secretary of State for War what is the present strength of the British Army of the Rhine; and how many units are below strength.
§ Mr. GodberOn 1st June, 1963, the strength of B.A.O.R. was about 52,500 all ranks excluding the women's services and Berlin. It is not the practice to disclose the strengths of units in B.A.O.R. but I can say that the most significant shortages are in the Infantry and Royal Signals.
§ Mr. MorrisDoes the Secretary of State recall that the Minister of Defence stated last Wednesday that he was concerned that we should stick to our treaty obligations to bring B.A.O.R. forces up to 55,000 men? What is being done in this direction? When is it hoped to achieve the target? Are there some units which are seriously unbalanced with regard to specialist personnel? When was it realised that B.A.O.R. could be more balanced and effective, thereby necessitating the steps outlined by the Minister of Defence last Wednesday?
§ Mr. GodberIt is our intention to bring the figure up to 55,000. I shall not be satisfied until we have achieved that. I should not like to tie myself to any time. Indications have previously been given by my predecessor and by the Minister of Defence that this will be done during the next year. We shall have to see. It depends very much on recruiting, which is very much tied up with this matter. This is the major factor involved in any undertaking given at this Box.