§ Mr. Austin Mitchellasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will estimate the saving to the Exchequer if the proportion of officers at each grade to other ranks was 453W reduced to the level in 1953; and why he has maintained the complement of officers at a higher level as total manpower has fallen.
§ Mr. StanleyThe hypothetical estimate that the hon. Member has requested could not be provided except at disproportionate cost. Since the mid 1960s, following the adjustment of service manpower with the end of national service, the ratio of all officers to other ranks has remained broadly constant.