HC Deb 12 February 1980 vol 978 cc561-2W
16. Mr. Stephen Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the current level of recruitment into the Territorial Army.

Mr. Hayhoe

Recruitment into the Territorial Army is buoyant and is reflected in a rise of 2,500 in total strength since last August when the increased bounties and other measures recommended in the Shapland report were announced.

Mr. Geoffrey Johnson Smith

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what measures are being taken to improve the Territorial Army's air defence capability.

Mr. Hayhoe

Subject to the negotiation of acceptable contract terms, the Government expect shortly to place a contract worth well over £20 million with Short Brothers Ltd. of Belfast for the supply of more Blowpipe air defence missile systems of the Territorial Army. Shorts is already engaged in the manufacture of Blowpipe for the Regular Army, the Royal Marines and the Territorial Army, and the new order will help ensure continued work on the project for a number of years.