HC Deb 25 May 1972 vol 837 cc449-50W
Mr. William Price

asked the Minister of State for Defence how many men and women were serving in the Army, the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy at the last date for which figures are available; and what were the figures five years ago.

Lord Balniel

Following is the information:

Total United Kingdom Personnel in the Armed Forces, Officers and Other Ranks, males and females
1st April, 1st April.
1967 1972
Royal Navy and Royal Marines 97,016 82,376
Army 196,236 178,331
Royal Air Force 124,104 110,725
Tri-Service total 417,356 371,432