§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the total service strength of the armed forces at 1 April 1990; and what is the projected strength at 1 April 2000. [29653]
§ Mr. SoamesThe total service strength of the regular armed forces at 1 April 1990 was 314,700. The estimated strength at 1 April 2000 is 213,500. Both figures include Gurkha strengths, Royal Marines and Queen Alexandra Royal Naval Nursing Service, and an element for personnel undergoing training. The former excludes the 559W then Ulster Defence Regiment and the latter excludes the Royal Irish Regiment (Home Service Force).