HC Deb 01 March 1978 vol 945 cc285-6W
Mr. Onslow

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish in the Official Report an analysis of the figures for premature retirement of officers and men of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army and the Royal Air Force in each of the past three years, indicating the branch of service, and the average length

Royal Navy Royal Marines Army Royal Air Force
1974–75 275 21 525 558
1975–76 260 19 670 814
1976–77 271 20 817 798
1977–78 (April-December) 235 21 693 418
These figures include the following numbers who left entirely of their own volition:
Royal Navy Royal Marines Army Royal Air Force
1974–75 224 18 477 400
1975–76 211 17 604 427
1976–77 208 15 561 399
1977–78 (April-December) 195 21 449 252

The total number of Servicemen leaving the Armed Services prior to the comple-

Royal Navy Royal Marines Army Royal Air Force
1974–75 3,747 495 9,350 3,354
1975–76 2,617 326 8,395 3,189
1976–77 2,300 369 10,397 2 876
1977–78 (April-December) 2,039 361 10,241 2,622

of service of those involved, and also showing, in respect of each of these categories, what proportion of those leaving the Service did so entirely of their own volition.

Dr. Gilbert

The information requested goes into considerable detail but is summarised below. I will write to the hon. Member giving more detailed information.

The total number of trained officers leaving the Armed Services prematurely is as follows:

tion of their engagement during the same period is as follows: