HC Deb 24 October 1989 vol 158 c435W
62. Mr. Patrick Thompson

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he has any intention of increasing the size of the Territorial Army.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

We continue to keep this matter under review as part of the continuing overview of our overall defence effort. It remains our intention to expand the Territorial Army to the strengths already announced in "Defence Open Government Document 84/02", a copy of which is held in the Library. All of the new units planned—which include six infantry battalions—have formed and are recruiting.

81. Mr. Tony Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the result to date of the current recruitment drive for the Territorial Army.

37. Ms. Quin

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the result to date of the current recruitment drive for the Territorial Army.

102. Mr. Lewis

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the result to date of the current recruitment drive for the Territorial Army.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

It must be stressed that the current volunteer reserve forces campaign has as its prime aim improving retention in the reserve forces, although we would expect to see some measure of spin-off on recruitment. Given the nature of the campaign, we do not yet have a sufficient spread of data to provide a statistical measure of any improvements. Nevertheless, the response from companies, trade organisations and individuals has been most encouraging.