§ Mr. Bestasked the Secretary of State for Defence how he proposes to make a reduction in man training days in the Territorial Army; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GoodhartI have nothing to add to the reply I gave my hon. Friend on Thursday 12 March—[Vol. 1000, c. 404.]
§ Mr. Bestasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will consider increasing the present establishment of the Territorial Army in the light of the increasing importance of its role.
§ Mr. GoodhartThe establishment of the TA is adjusted periodically to reflect changes in the role envisaged for the TA within the framework of the Army's total commitments. We have no plans, at present, for a major increase in the TA's establishment, but its role is kept under review.
90W
§ Mr. Bestasked the Secretary of State for Defence what was the numerical strength and establishment of the Territorial Army on 1 May 1977, 1 May 1979, and 1 March 1981.
§ Mr. GoodhartOn 1 May 1977 the TA establishment was 72,902 and the strength was 60,705. On 1 May [979 the establishment was 72,635 and the strength 60,506. The latest figures available are for 1 February 1981, when the establishment was 73,819 and the strength 67,241.