HC Deb 19 November 1991 vol 199 c147W
12. Mr. Thorne

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what role he has in mind for the Territorial Army of the future.

21. Rev. Martin Smyth

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement setting forth the rationale for the proposed reduction of the Territorial Army units in Northern Ireland, particularly the RAYC and artillery units.

23. Mr. Butler

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he is in a position to announce the future shape of the Territorial Army.

Mr. Tom King

As I have made clear on several occasions the reserves, of which the Territorial Army is an integral part, will continue to make a vital contribution to our defence effort.

In the future, the TA will provide a wide range of capabilities, including participation in the ACE rapid reaction corps and in military home defence. I hope to make further announcements on the way ahead for the TA before the end of the year.

27. Mr. Trotter

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will make a statement on the future role, strength and composition of the Territorial Army.

Mr. Tom King

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave today to my hon. Friend the Member for Ilford, South (Mr. Thorne). I envisage that the long-term future strength of the Territorial Army will settle at between 60,000 and 65,000.