§ Mr. TrotterTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many bandsmen(a) there are currently and (b) there were in 1990 in each of the services regular bands and in each band in the Territorial Army. [7984]
§ Mr. SoamesThe breakdown of established figures for bandsmen for the three services, including the Territorial Army, is shown in the table.
1996 1990 Navy (RM) 227 377 Army (Reg) 1,162 1,991 Army (TA) 864 992 RAF 206 244 The reorganisation of regular Army bands over the last three years has resulted in a reduction from 69 to 30 bands. Fifty seven bands which existed in 1990 no longer exist, and 18 new bands have been created. In 1990, 43 bands were established with 22 bandsmen, 14 with 34, three with 35, five with 49 and one with 30. There were an additional 25 staff. There are now 22 bands with 35 bandsmen and eight with 49.
The reorganisation process in the other two services and the TA has not been so dramatic. Comparative figures for 1990 and 1996 are shown in the tables:
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Royal marines Number 1996 RM Band Portsmouth 70 RM Band Plymouth 43 Commando Training Centre RM Band 44
Royal marines Number RM Band Scotland 44 Britannia Royal Naval College Band 26 Total 227 1990 Royal Marine School of Music Staff Band 65 CinCNAVHOME Band 65 CinCFLEET Band 65 Commando Forces Band 65 Flag Officer Portsmouth Band 41 FOSNI Band 41 Britannia Royal Naval College Band 35 Total 377
Royal Air Force Band 1996 1990 Western 36 42 College 50 37 Regiment 40 41 Germany 0 40 Salon Orchestra 7 7 Central 65 69 HQ Musical Services 8 8 Total 206 244
Territorial Army Total 1996 24 Bands,(all at 35 person strength). 24 other permanent staff 864 1990 24 Bands (22 at strength of 31, one at 41, one at 55). 120 juniors and 24 other permanent staff 922