§ Mr. Croninasked the Secretary of State for Defence to what extent the proposed increase in Army manpower will affect the recent reorganisation of the Army, particularly in the British Army on the Rhine; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MulleyArmy restructuring is now virtually complete. The principles of the reorganisation have been validated through experience and exercises during the last three years, but it has been 247W shown that some adjustments were necessary. These include the introduction of the Task Force headquarters concept and an increase in manpower establishments. I have therefore set in hand within the Army a study to determine the extent to which the restructured organisation is likely to remain appropriate in the 1980s. The first results of the study are not expected to be available until late 1979 and no changes of any significance will be made for at least two years. We shall continue to maintain an Army force level of 55,000
Applications* Premature Voluntary Releases Financial year Officers Airmen† Total Officers Airmen† Total 1974–75‡ … 447 3,407 3,854 400 2,118 2,518 1975–76 … 472 2,821 3,293 427 1,520 1,947 1976–77 … 497 2,532 3,029 395 1,644 2,039 1977–78 … 778 2,925 3,703 414 1,871 2,285 1978–79 (April to August 1978) … 234 1,283 1,517 189 541 730 NOTES:
* Includes applications subsequently withdrawn.
† Airmen aircrew numbers excluded because of incomplete records.
‡ The airmen figures for 1974–75 are not complete. Some withdrawn and completed applications were not recorded.