British Army of the Rhine (Strength)

HC Deb 18 December 1963 vol 686 c214W

Mr. John Hall

asked the Secretary of State for War when he hopes to achieve a target of 55,000 men for the British Army of the Rhine.

Mr. Ramsden

The strength of the British Army of the Rhine will reach 55,000 as soon as possible. But our ability to attain this figure depends on a satisfactory rate of recruitment and on the military demands of other overseas theatres. I regret that I am therefore not prepared to give a precise date.