§ Mr. ChurchillTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what will be the permanent establishment of the battalion to be formed by the amalgamation of the 4 (Volunteer) Parachute battalion and the 15 (Volunteer) Parachute204W battalion; what will be the minimum size of each of the five detachments of the Scottish company within the amalgamated battalion; and what level of funding and logistical support will be provided to each of the five Scottish detachments.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonThe permanent establishment will be 490, conforming to the new standard being adopted by all 36 Territorial Army infantry battalions. Rifle companies of the new battalion will have the same formal establishment as those of the remainder of the Territorial Army infantry, increased by an allowance for recruits and where support elements of the battalion are allocated to the company. The Scottish Company of the new battalion will be able to overbear. The size of each detachment will reflect the ability of the company and its detachments to recruit and retain personnel.
In line with the remainder of the Territorial Army, the Scottish Company of 4 para will be properly supported and funded to carry out the roles requested of it. It is envisaged that detachments will be based on shared Territorial Army centres at their current locations, enabling them to draw upon shared facilities and administrative support.