§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the size of the Territorial Army in each of the last five years; and what is his Department's estimate of the figure in each of the next three years. [11454]
§ Mr. SoamesThe size of the Territorial Army over the last five years is as follows:
Size of the Territorial Army1 Year Establishment Strength 1 April 1992 271,000 70,100 1 April 1993 71,000 67,200 1 April 1994 63,500 63,600 1 April 1995 59,000 58,400 1 April 1996 59,000 57,300 1Figures exclude non-regular permanent staff. 2This is an estimate figure reflecting the drawdown of the Territorial Army to its post-"Options for Change" structure. The planned establishment of the Territorial Army at 1 April for 1997, 1998 and 1999 will be 59,000. The actual strength in each of the three years will depend largely on recruitment and retention patterns.