§ Mr. Grocottasked the Secretary of State for Defence what was the ratio of operative to administrative personnel in his Department for each of the following 928W years; (a) 1960, (b) 1965 (c) 1970 and (d) 1975.
§ Mr. DuffyI regret this information is not available in the form requested. I would, however, refer my hon. Friend to the Defence White Papers for the years 1965, 1970 and 1975 where, in the annexes, he will find an analysis of uniformed and civilian personnel showing the fields of activity in which they were engaged.
The three analyses are not directly comparable because of changes both in departmental organisation and convention. From these analyses it will be seen that Service men and civilians are complementary and both are to be found in most of the fields. It will be seen also that the 1975 White Paper showed that about half the civilians were employed on research development, production, repair and associated facilities; nearly another quarter in direct support of the combat and reserve forces; and the balance on training, administration, communications, meteorology, and family, personal and other support services. In contrast, for Service personnel nearly two-thirds were employed in the combat and reserve forces, a fifth on training, and the balance on other support activities.