HC Deb 13 November 1968 vol 773 cc391-2
19. Sir Ian Orr-Ewing

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how the male adult strength of the Royal Air Force now compares with the strength in October, 1964.

Mr. Reynolds

The male adult strength of the Royal Air Force at 1st October, 1968, was 108,920. This compares with a figure of 123,669 at 1st October, 1964.

Sir Ian Orr-Ewing

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Minister of Defence said a year ago that we were taking a risk with this nation's defences and that since then we have this poor recruiting figure, this poor re-engagement figure, a further reduction in the Reserves, and the massive invasion of Czechoslovakia? In view of these factors, is it not time that the Government stopped the run-down of the forces and tried to get more recruits and to encourage re-engagement?

Mr. Reynolds

At the present moment, and up to next year, the Royal Air Force is not having any particular manning difficulties in meeting its responsibilities.

Mr. Rankin

Would my right hon. Friend say whether the reduction of personnel has been compensated for by increased strength in other departments?

Mr. Reynolds

If my hon. Friend means in the strength of the Royal Air Force itself, the new aircraft equipment programme will mean that the aircraft will be of greater capability than existing aircraft.