HC Deb 25 June 1969 vol 785 c270W
Sir T. Beamish

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how far the Regular army is short of its peace-time establishment; what is the estimated shortfall in 12 months on the basis that present recruiting trends continue; and what proposals he has to rectify this situation.

Mr. Boyden

On 1st April, 1969, the Army was some 9,450 short of the peacetime establishment. If the present trend in recruiting continues I estimate the shortfall on 1st April, 1970, as about 8,750.