HC Deb 23 January 1968 vol 757 cc85-6W
Mr. James Davidson

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what were the total numbers of Army divisions, Royal Navy ships in commission, and airworthy Royal Air Force aircraft in service at the beginning of 1946, 1951, 1964 and at the la test available date.

Mr. Reynolds

Following is the information:

ROYAL NAVY
Operational, training and trials ships down to and including submarines and minesweepers:
1948 1951 1964 1967
175 168 181 172
ARMY
Regular Army Divisions:
1946(June) 1951 1964 1968
19 7 5 5
Including one Commonwealth Division

The Commonwealth Division in Korea included elements from Commonwealth countries.

ROYAL AIR FORCE
Operational, training and communication aircraft in service:
1947 1951 1964 1968
6,490 4,760 2,270 2,000

I regret that figures for the Royal Navy and R.A.F. in 1946 are not readily available.

Mr. James Davidson

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what were the total numbers of officers and other ranks serving in the Army, Royal Navy, and Royal Air Force, respectively, at the beginning of 1946, 1951, 1964 and at the latest available date.

Mr. Reynolds

Royal Navy and Royal Marines Army Royal Air Force
1946 389,200 2,406,381 825,034
1951 136,600 402,800 212,100
1964 97,200 187,600 137,900
1968 96,300 192,949 121,415

The figures for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines are those for 1st July, 1946, as the figures for the beginning of 1946 are not readily available.