HC Deb 05 July 1967 vol 749 cc1800-1
20. Mr. James Davidson

asked the Secretary of State for Defence why the figures given in the 1967 White Paper for Royal Navy personnel at sea exceed those in the 1966 White Paper; and how these extra men are disposed.

Mr. Foley

I assume that the hon. Member is referring to the figures given in the tables in Annex G of the 1966 and 1967 White Papers. These showed that the total Royal Navy personnel "At Sea" on 1st January 1967 was 37,200 and on 1st January 1966 was 37,170, an increase of 30. Whilst the difference in total is marginal, the hon. Member will see, from a comparison of the details, that there were a number of changes in geographical disposition.

Mr. Davidson

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether there has been a greater increase in shore-based personnel during the same period, including civil servants, or whether the trend has run counter to Parkinson's Law?

Mr. Foley

The Question relates to personnel at sea. If the hon. Gentleman wants to inquire about details of personnel on shore, if he puts down a Question he will receive an Answer.