§ Mr. Paul MarsdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many(a) officers and (b) soldiers are attached to the 5LI Shropshire and Herefordshire Light Infantry and the Royal Mercian and Lancastrian Yeomanry. [43119]
§ Dr. ReidAs at 1 May 1998, the current and established strengths of 5 Shropshire and Hereford Light Infantry and the Royal Mercian and Lancastrian Yeomanry, by officers and soldiers, are as follows:
5 Shropshire & Hereford Light Infantry Royal Mercian & Lancastrian Yeomanry Current strength Established strength Current strength Established strength Officers 38 36 39 39 Soldiers 491 494 297 280 Note:
Figures include TA, Regular and Non Regular Permanent Staff (NRPS).
§ Mr. Paul MarsdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received from those living in Shropshire on the future of 5LI Shropshire and Herefordshire Light Infantry and the Royal Mercian and Lancastrian Yeomanry. [43120]
§ Dr. ReidMy Department has received a number of representations from hon. Members with constituency interests in the Territorial Army in Shropshire on the future of 5 Shropshire and Herefordshire Light Infantry and the Royal Mercian and Lancastrian Yeomanry.
§ Mr. Paul MarsdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what criteria are being used in the Strategic Defence Review to decide which Territorial Army battalions will continue. [43628]
§ Dr. ReidOur prime aim is to structure the Territorial Army in a way that will be relevant and useable in the operational circumstances we foresee. But we wish to take account of the valuable economic contribution made by Territorial Army units in their local community.
We will also want to build on existing strong social links of Territorial Army units with their communities, and the cadets; we will want to build on the enthusiasm that there is in many areas for volunteer service. We will also wish to take into account the availability of training facilities; and the need for close working between Territorial units and the Regular Armed Forces.
Within these constraints we aim to preserve as wide a presence as possible for the Territorial Army across the country. It may take some months after our first announcements to reach final decisions on what may be complex set of changes.
§ Mr. Paul MarsdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to visit the 5 Shropshire and Herefordshire Battalion and the Royal Mercian and Lancastrian Yeomanry at the Copthorne barracks in Shrewsbury. [43646]
105W
§ Dr. ReidNeither my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence nor I have any current plans to visit the 5th Shropshire and Herefordshire Battalion and the Royal Mercian and Lancastrian Yeomanry.
§ Mr. Paul MarsdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will assess the economic impact on Shrewsbury of the presence of the 5 Shropshire & Herefordshire Light Infantry and the Royal Mercian & Lancastrian Yeomanry. [43611]
§ Dr. ReidNo assessment has been made of the impact of any Territorial Army unit on its local economy, nor are there plans to make such an assessment.
§ Mr. Paul MarsdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the effect on the numbers of officers, soldiers and associated civilian staff of the amalgamation of the Queen's Own Mercian Yeomanry and the Duke of Lancaster's Own Yeomanry to form the Royal Mercian and Lancastrian Yeomanry. [43645]
§ Dr. ReidThe Queen's Own Mercian Yeomanry and the Duke of Lancaster's Own Yeomanry amalgamated on 1 April 1993 as part of the restructuring of the Territorial Army in that year. The establishment of the two units at the time of amalgamation, and the current establishment of the Royal Mercian and Lancastrian Yeomanry are shown in the table.
Establishment Queen's Own Mercian yeomanry Duke of Lancaster's own yeomanry Royal Mercian and Lancastrian Yeomanry Officers 36 36 39 Soldiers 398 398 280 Civilians 14 14 19 Total 448 448 328 Note:
Figures include TA, Regular and Non Regular Permanent Staff (NRPS)