§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the shortfall at 1 March in the manpower strengths of(a) the Royal Navy and (b) the Royal Air Force. [21144]
§ Mr. SoamesThe shortfall in manpower strength of the Royal Air Force on 1 March 1997 was 1,588 trained personnel. Manpower figures for the Royal Navy for 1 March are not yet available. As at 1 February 1997 the naval service, including Royal Marines, had shortages of 1,586 trained personnel.