§ Mr. Sproatasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he is satisfied with the present level of the reserve forces; and if he will make a statement.
309W
§ Mr. Robert C. BrownDetails of the strengths of the reserve forces are given in the statement on the defence estimates 1979 (Cmnd. 7474), annex H, table 2, which shows that strengths remain close to or above the levels of the past few years. The shortages which persist in the TAVR would be alleviated on mobilisation by drawing on the Army's regular reserves. The strength of the reserve forces is sufficient to enable them to fulfil their operational roles on mobilisation.
§ Mr. Sproatasked the Secretary of State for Defence what latest measures he proposes to increase the strength of the Territorial Army Volunteer Reserve and to improve its equipment; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Robert C. BrownVarious measures are under consideration as a result of the Shapland report and other studies. The Government's decisions will be announced in due course.