HC Deb 29 November 1988 vol 142 cc231-2W
Mr. Colvin

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what he is doing to improve recruiting within the Territorial Army.

Mr. Freeman

We are conscious that the demographic trends show that the population in the age group from which we draw most recruits to the TA is decreasing. We have, therefore, in addition to our advertising, introduced a number of measures such as relaxation of age limits, reduction of commitment in particular problem specialisations and both pay and bounties have been increased. We are also hopeful that our current advertising campaign aimed at employers, although not aimed at recruiting, will have some useful benefits in this direction.

Mr. Harry Greenway

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many new recruits have been enlisted in each of the services in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Freeman

The information is shown below:

Service 83–84 84–85 85–86 86–87 87–88
RN/RM 5,232 5,536 5,369 6,569 6,172
Army 22,348 22,278 20,268 19,918 21,041
RAF 9,411 6,907 7,014 7,562 6,613