HC Deb 10 May 1994 vol 243 cc129-30W
24. Mr. Colin Shepherd

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the present manpower strength of the armed services.

Mr. Hanley

The total strength of the armed forces as at 1 March 1994 was some 256,000. Further details are contained in the monthly "Tri-Service Personnel Statistics Return on Strengths, Intake and Outflow of the UK Regular Forces", a copy of which is placed in the Library of the House.

29. Mr. Gunnell

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what total level of staff reductions he is expecting in 1995–96, 1996–97 and 1997–98; and what impact this will have on this budget.

Mr. Hanley

The "Statement on the Defence Estimates 1994" indicates the forecast manpower levels for service personnel at 1 April 1995 and for civilian personnel at April 1996. Manpower levels for later years will be affected by a range of factors, including of course, the outcome of the defence costs study.