§ Mr. Bestasked the Secretary of State for Defence what are the current shortages of manpower in each of the three armed services.
§ Mr. LeeOverall the services have over 97 per cent. of their officer, and over 99 per cent. of their other ranks, trained strength requirements. The information broken down into each of the armed services is as follows:
Service Category Shortfall (-) or Excess (+)
in trained
trength per
cent.
Officers Royal Navy -3.0 Royal Marines -3.9 Army -1.9 RAF -2.9 Total -2.5 Other ranks Royal Navy +0.8 Royal Marines -2.7 Army +1.0 RAF -3.1 Total -0.3