§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is to be the percentage fall in the manpower strength of(a) the Army, (b) the Royal Air Force and (c) the Royal Navy between January 1990 and the completion of his Department's plans under the "Options for Change" and "Front Line First" initiatives. [26129]
§ Mr. SoamesThe percentage fall in manpower strength of the Army, Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy on completion of MOD's plans under "Options for Change" and the "Front Line First" initiatives will depend on such factors as recruiting and turnover of personnel. Some of the "Front Line First" initiatives are still being considered. Manpower forecasts indicate that by 1995–96, manpower strengths will have fallen by 26 per cent, in the Army, 24 per cent, in the Royal Air Force and 21 per cent, for the Royal Navy since January 1990. These figures include some of the "Options for Change" measures already implemented.