HC Deb 31 July 1963 vol 682 cc99-100W
117. Mr. Wigg

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state, on the same basis as, and in a form which will make an easy comparison possible with, the figures given to the hon. Member for Dudley on 31st January, 1963, the number of Regiments of the Royal Armoured Corps and the Royal Artillery, units of the Royal Engineers and Royal Signals, and battalions of Infantry which were below establishment on 1st July, 1963, or on the latest convenient date on which the information is available.

Mr. Godber

The position in the "teeth arms" on 1st July, 1963, was as followsRoyal Armoured Corps—Five regiments between 10 and 33 short of establishment. Royal Artillery—Six regiments between 25 and 50 short of establishment. Royal Engineers—All units up to establishment. Royal Signals—A direct comparison with the 1st January is not possible because of a current reorganisation. However, since January the Corps strength has increased by approximately 300. Infantry—Eleven battalions between 50 and 100 short of establishment, and 13 battalions over 100 short of establishment.

118. Mr. Wigg

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state, on the same basis as, and in a form which will make an easy comparison possible with, the figures given to the hon. Member for Dudley on 11th February, 1963, the numerical shortages on 1st July, 1963, or the latest convenient date, of the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Royal Army Pay Corps, Royal Army Veterinary Corps, Military Provost Staff Corps, Royal Army Service Corps, Royal Army Medical Corps, Royal Military Police, Royal Army Dental Corps, Royal Pioneer Corps and the Army Catering Corps.

Mr. Godber

Although the manpower ceilings for these Corps have been revised since 11th February, 1963, the total numerical shortages of men on 1st July, 1963, have been calculated on the same basis as in February and were as follows:

Royal Army Service Corps … 336
Royal Army Medical Corps … 382
Royal Military Police … 140
Royal Army Dental Corps … 37
Army Catering Corps … 551

On 1st July, the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Royal Army Pay Corps, Royal Army Veterinary Corps, Military Provost Staff Corps, and the Royal Pioneer Corps were virtually up to strength.