§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the manpower strength of the Territorial Army at 1 April 1990; and what will be its estimated strength at 1 April 1999. [28727]
§ Mr. SoamesThe manpower strength of the Territorial Army on 1 April 1990 was 74,440. On 14 July 1994 it was announced that the Territorial Army was to be restructured to an establishment of 59,000 by 1 April 1997. Present planning maintains the establishment of the Territorial Army at 59,000 in 1999 and it is hoped that the recruiting and retention initiatives will maintain the TA at this level.