§ Mr. KeetchTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the(a) establishment and (b) strength of REME and RE trades relating to the maintenance of equipment is, stating in each case the (i) trade and (ii) percentage shortfall from establishment requirement; and if he will make a statement. [113241]
§ Dr. MoonieThe Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) are the specialist corps responsible for the technical maintenance of equipment within the Army and not the Royal Engineers (RE). The tables below show the requirement and trained strength of REME trade groups. Information on individual trades is not held centrally, and could only be provided at disproportionate cost. 331W
REME Trade Groups Army/Corps Trade Group (REME) Requirement Strength ± Percentages Artificer Aircraft 86 132 46 53.5 Artificer Avionics 46 55 9 19.6 Artificer Electronics 189 327 138 73.0 Artificer Vehicles 476 520 44 9.2 Artificer Weapons 80 119 39 48.8 Technician Aircraft 600 602 2 0.3 Technician Avionics 259 299 40 15.4 Technical Electronics 905 969 64 7.1 Armourer 679 594 -85 -12.5 Metalsmith 233 229 -4 -1.7 Recovery Mechanic 591 454 -137 -23.2 Shipwright 29 27 -2 -6.9 Technical Storeman 334 300 -200 -36.2 Vehicle Electrician 553 353 -200 -36.2 Vehicle Mechanic 4,124 3,432 -692 -16.8 Total 9.184 8,412 -772 -8.4