§ Mr. Alfred MorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the size of the reduction in the armed forces between 1 April 1990 and 1 April 1999 under his Department's current plans; and if he will make a statement. [503]
§ Mr. SoamesThe total service strength of the regular armed forces at 1 April 1990 was 314,700. The estimated strength at 1 April 1999 under current plans is 213,500, representing a reduction of 32 per cent. Both figures include Gurkha strengths. The former excludes, however, the then Ulster Defence Regiment and the latter excludes the Royal Irish Regiment (Home Service) force. The figures include an element for personnel undergoing training.