HC Deb 09 December 2002 vol 396 cc18-9
15. Andrew Selous (South-West Bedfordshire)

What changes there have been in the strength of the Territorial Army in the last six months. [83970]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence (Dr. Lewis Moonie)

I think that we have missed out question 13, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker

No, we have not. It has been unstarred.

Dr. Moonie

My apologies, Mr. Speaker—some people can be too smart.

As at 1 November 2002, the strength of the Territorial Army stood at 39,370, and on 1 May 2002 it was 39,125.

Andrew Selous

Can the Minister tell the House what specific steps the Government are taking to recruit ex-regular personnel to the TA?

Dr. Moonie

I cannot think of any specific steps, but a great many ex-regulars go into the TA and, by and large, provided that they were honourably discharged, are welcome because of the experience that they bring with them. However, I am happy to look at that, to see if more encouragement can be given. As part of the developing work under the new chapter, we are looking at increasing the number of people in the Territorial Army in particular—it would be useful to encourage as many people as possible to join.

Mr. Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (Cotswold)

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. As far as I am aware, question 13, which I tabled, was not unstarred. Can you provide clarification?

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Gentleman may not have heard my statement on 19 November. When an hon. Member volunteers a question—I did not ask the hon. Gentleman to do anything, but his name was called—I automatically unstar his question on the Order Paper. The trick is therefore not to rise for an earlier question.