HC Deb 23 November 1981 vol 13 c311W
Mr. George Robertson

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is his latest estimate of the number of Royal Navy officers and ratings who will be surplus to requirements by 1986, based on present establishment levels.

Mr. Blaker

The strengths of the Royal Navy on 30 September 1981 was 66,678. As stated in Cmnd. 8288, Royal Navy numbers will be reduced by about 8,000 to 10,000 by 1986.