§ Mrs. Curtis-ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many(a) regular forces, (b) reserves and (c) cadets have used the reserve forces training camp at Altcar, Hightown, Merseyside in each of the last 10 years; and what training is provided there. [146946]
§ Mr. SpellarThe facilities at Altcar offer a variety of training, including skill at arms training, specialised individual and collective training (including nuclear, biological and chemical and fighting in built up areas) and fitness training.
In terms of usage, the Ministry of Defence collects data on the numbers of personnel occupying bed spaces and the numbers who actually fire on the ranges. This information is shown in the tables.
660W
Numbers occupying overnight accommodation at Altcar training camp Year Regular army Other services TA Cadets Total 1991 13,146 1,842 32,196 21,146 68,330 1992 12,347 947 32,419 24,141 69,854 1993 10,172 470 35,177 25,968 71,787 1994 5,416 8,211 31,565 19,422 64,614 1995 5,626 3,647 27,510 27,783 64,566 1996 3,967 812 31,076 22,837 58,692 1997 1,737 468 27,789 23,153 53,147 1998 12,062 1,479 29,762 19,122 62,425 1999 13,293 650 26,893 34,084 74,920 2000 14,619 100 32,211 31,441 78,371
Numbers involved in firing on the ranges Year Outdoor range number of firers Indoor range number of firers 1991 28,341 2,299 1992 33,989 2,412 1993 39,865 2,675 1994 24,032 3,113 1995 27,378 2,025 1996 24,623 1,903 1997 20,437 1,084 1998 22,486 1,598 1999 18,581 3,091 2000 11,712 1,825 My hon. Friend should note that those occupying overnight accommodation do not necessarily participate in firing on the ranges. Similarly, those participating in firing do not all stay at the camp overnight.