§ Mr. Doddsasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the present rôle of the Territorial Army; and if he is satisfied that it is adequately trained and equipped for the rôle it could be expected to play.
§ Mr. MulleyThe present rôle of the Territorial Army is laid down in Cmnd. 1216 of 1960, "Reorganisation of the Territorial Army". The Territorial Army are also responsible for providing the Territorial Army Emergency Reserve the task of which is to reinforce the Regular Army at times of tension. The rôle of128W the Territorial Army is now being reviewed as part of the Defence Review and this review will cover the training and equipment required by the T.A. to perform its future tasks.
§ Mr. Doddsasked the Secretary of State for Defence how many men the Territorial Army is expected to provide before proclamation, and how many after proclamation; and whether the targets set have been reached or are likely to be in the near future.
§ Mr. MulleyOn present plans about 7,800 and 123,000 respectively. Current strengths represent about 85 per cent. of these numbers which are not likely to be reached at any early date.
§ Mr. Doddsasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he is satisfied that the present state of the Territorial Army justifies employing from the active list 12 major-generals, 40 brigadiers and 80 lieutenant-colonels; what are their duties; and what is the total cost to public funds in this connection.
§ Mr. MulleyThese officers command and administer the divisions, brigades and major units of the Territorial Army and in addition the major-generals have administrative and in some cases command responsibilities for Regular units. I am satisfied that on the basis of the present organisation of the Territorial Army these appointments are fully justified. Their cost is about £½ million a year.