§ Mr. Brothertonasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the cost to public funds of the study of fitness and flab which is to be carried out at the University of Glasgow ; what is the purpose of the study ; how many people will be involved in it ; and when he expects to have a report on its findings.
§ Mr. Hayhoe[pursuant to my answer, 9 May 1980, c. 259]: A study of height, weight and body composition is being undertaken on behalf of the MOD by two scientists at the Institute of Physiology at Glasgow university under the direction of Professor J. V. G. A. Durnin, D.Sc, MA, MB, FRCP. The purpose of the study is to determine accurately the permissible levels of body fatness so that up-to-date, medically acceptable target weights can be available for use during the selection and recruitment of new Servicemen and during their subsequent military career. Existing standards are out of date and unreliable. The study will assess different categories of physique, frame size, and the distribution of body fat in young adults of both sexes. Measurements will be made at Navy, Army and RAF units throughout the country and will involve civilian as well as Service personnel. The total number of measurements to be made is not yet known, but it is likely to be around 10,000 to ensure acceptable levels of statistical accuracy. The findings are expected within three years and the estimated cost to public funds will be about £80,000. The cost of this study will be recovered if the number of recruits who are subsequently unable to meet the Service fitness requirements is reduced by 60W 160 and this should be achieved within a few years.
The findings of the study will be made available to interested civilian organisations.