HC Deb 01 July 1981 vol 7 cc423-4W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the reasons why the United Kingdom Forces have a higher proportion of generals and admirals than that occurring in the forces of any of the United Kingdom 's allies; and if he will take steps to reduce these numbers.

Mr. Goodhart

Comparisons between the Armed Forces of our allies are not always relevant or helpful as the various forces are organised in different ways to carry out different tasks. Over the last 30 years there has been a steady reduction in the number of officers in the United Kingdom Armed Forces holding two-star or more senior rank; the need for all such posts is reviewed regularly.