§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether there is any correlation between frequency of tours of duty in Northern Ireland and the rate at which Service men are leaving the Forces; and whether the present rate of recruitment is sufficient to compensate for the number leaving the Army.
§ Mr. HayhoeIt is not possible to establish a direct correlation or to consider separately those departures from the Forces which may be influenced by periods of service in Northern Ireland from those brought about by many other factors. Wastage has reduced and recruiting has improved in recent months. The trained strength of the Army at the end of September 1979 showed a net increase of 638 male personnel over the strength at the end of August 1979.