§ 26. Mr. Allasonasked the Minister of State for Defence what is the present strength of the Territorial and Army Volunteer Reserve, excluding members of the newly raised units required for the rôle of an uncommitted reserve ; and what percentage of them is classed as fully trained.
§ Mr. G. Johnson SmithAbout 49,000. 75 per cent. of these are trained members, but this percentage is increasing as the in-camp training season proceeds.
§ 29. Mr. Longdenasked the Minister of State for Defence what is the present strength of the Territorial Army ; how is recruitment progressing ; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. G. Johnson SmithThe strength of the Territorial and Army Volunteer Reserve on 31st May, 1971, was 50,178. There has been an increase in strength of nearly 2,500 in the old units since 1st April, 1970. The new units, formed on 1st April this year, already have a volunteer strength of over 3,000, and recruiting for them is going well.
§ 37. Mr. Allasonasked the Minister of State for Defence what is the present strength of the newly raised Territorial and Army Volunteer Reserve Armoured Car Regiment.
§ Mr. G. Johnson SmithAbout 160. In addition, about 130 applicants are awaiting formal documentation and final acceptance.