§ Mr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the strength of the British armed forces on 1 April 1992; and what will be its strength on(a) 1 April 1999 and (b) 1 April 2000. [41111]
§ Mr. SoamesThe total service strength of the regular armed forces on 1 April 1992 was 302,400. The estimated strength on 1 April 1999 and 1 April 2000 is 213,500 for each year. Both figures include Gurkha strengths, Royal Marines and Queen Alexandra Royal Naval Nursing Service, and an element for personnel undergoing training.