HC Deb 24 July 1968 vol 769 cc137-8W
Mr. Monro

asked the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will state the number of recruits for each Scottish regiment between 1st January and 1st June, 1968, and the number of men in reinforcement drafts joining each Scottish regiment between 1st January and 1st June, 1968, respectively.

Mr. Boyden

Between 1st January and 1st June, 1968, 50 men were recruited for the Lowland Brigade and 90 men for the Highland Brigade. Men are recruited into brigades and no figures are available of how many of these men themselves indicated upon applying for enlistment that they wished to serve in particular Scottish regiments. It is not the practice to give details of reinforcement drafts.

Mr. Monro

asked the Secretary of State for Defence, to what percentage below establishment were the Lowland regiments recruited between January and March this year.

Mr. Boyden

The strength of the Lowland Brigade was 92 per cent. of establishment on 1st January and 91 per cent. of establishment on 1st March. These figures should be interpreted with care because 1st Bn. The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) were running down during this period prior to disbandment on 14th May.

Mr. Monro

asked the Secretary of State for Defence to what percentage below establishment were the Highland regiments recruited between January and March this year.

Mr. Boyden

The strength of the Highland Brigade was 98 per cent. of establishment on 1st January and 97 per cent. of establishment on 1st March.