§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what assessment he has made of the change in the ratio between officer and other ranks between 1980 and 1992; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what was the ratio of officers to other ranks in each of the three armed services in 1970 and 1979.
§ Mr. HanleyThe ratios of officers to other ranks on the dates specified are as follows:
Date RN Army RAF All 1 April 1970 1: 6.60 1: 7.79 1: 4.55 1: 6.25 1 April 1979 1: 6.23 1: 8.11 1: 4.92 1: 6.54 1 April 1980 1: 6.10 1: 8.33 1: 5.06 1: 6.64 1 April 1992 1: 5.15 1: 7.43 1: 4.71 1: 5.92 These figures exclude locally enlisted personnel.
The ratios are based on strengths and reflect the requirement for officers and other ranks at the particular time. In the 12 years between 1980 and 1992 there has been a substantial restructuring of the armed forces to reflect changing requirements, notably those arising from the end of the cold war. This restructuring continues and further proposals may result from the defence costs study which is currently examining all aspects of support to the front line. The Ministry of Defence does not use officer:other ranks ratios as a control mechanism.