§ Mr. Sproatasked the Minister of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the shortage of officers in the TAVR; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BlakerThe TAVR officer strength as at 31st March 1973 was 4,753 against an establishment of 5,858. This is 81 per cent. of establishment. The services which are most short of officers are the medical ones on which a separate study is being made. Disregarding these posts, the officer strength of Group A Independent Units is 91 per cent. of establishment.