§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made concerning the expansion of reserve forces.
§ Mr. Norman LamontSince 1979 the strength and role of the volunteer reserve forces have been greatly expanded. Principal developments include the following:
The Territorial Army (TA) has been increased from a strength of about 59,000 in 1979 to some 74,000 now, with a target of 86,000 by 1990;
A new home service force has been raised as part of the TA, and is now some 3,5000 strong;
The strength of the Royal Naval Reserve (RNR) is being increased from 5,226 to 7,800, and it is being re-equipped with new minesweepers and patrol craft;
The Royal Marines Reserve is expanding from a strength of 1,047 to 1,580;
The Royal Auxiliary Air Force (RAuxAF) has raised nine new squadrons, including six RAuxAF Regiment field squadrons, and trials have been announced into the wider employment of the RAuxAF and the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (RAFVR). These measures have substantially enhanced the vital contribution made by the volunteer reserve forces to our defence effort.