§ Mr. KeetchTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many call-out notices have been issued in 2003; what percentage of those fit for active duty this represents; and if he will make a statement. [92138]
§ Dr. MoonieAs at 21 January 1,909 call-out notices had been issued. This represents 0.85 per cent. of the total number of volunteer and Regular Reserves available. At any one time it is not possible to state how many members of the Reserve Forces will be fit for active duty because their state of health will change from day to day. This will only become apparent either when the Reservists report for service or if they make an application for revocation, exemption or deferral of call-out based on their health. This is one reason why we 443W issue a larger number of call-out notices so that we can ensure that we achieve the number of Reservists that we require.