HC Deb 04 December 1968 vol 774 cc488-9W
87. Sir T. Beamish

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the estimated annual cost of maintaining Territorial and Army Volunteer Reserve II at its present strength; and what is the estimated annual cost on the basis that the recruiting campaign is successful and its strength is brought up to the target figure.

Dr. David Owen

£14.8 million at present strength; £16.8 million at 80 per cent. of the new establishment which is the least we hope for. Of this extra expenditure more than £1 million has already been planned. (These figures exclude the cost of Regular permanent staff.)

88. Sir T. Beamish

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the present strength of the Territorial and Army Volunteer Reserve II; and what is now the target figure for recruitment to this force.

Dr. David Owen

Strength was 35,887 on 31st October. With the decisions which have been announced, establishment will be about 54,500. We would like to achieve 100 per cent. of establishment: we hope for at least 80 per cent.