§ Mr. Keith SimpsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the current proportion of(a) the Army and (b) Land Command (i) committed and (ii) warned to deploy for operations. [85913]
§ Mr. Doug Henderson[holding answer 8 June 1999]As at 11 June, some 47 per cent. of the Army and some 72 per cent. of Land Command personnel were committed to operations. These figures include those preparing for and recovering from operations.
Figures for those "warned to deploy" do not meaningfully reflect the current level of operational commitment because the notice given to units depends on the circumstances of the individual unit and the commitment involved. They are a reflection of the current state of the administrative planning process used to identify suitable units to replace those currently on operations and some would be included in the figures for those committed to operations. However, if calculated on the same basis as my Answer of 22 April 1999, Official Report, column 633, the figures for those warned to deploy on operations would be some 24 per cent. of the Army and some 37 per cent. of Land Command.
Gaps by branch HM Ship Complement Total Warfare Engineering Supply Ship's company Alderney 38 2 — — 36 Atherstone 42 1 — — 41 Bicester 41 1 — — 40 Birmingham 241 9 1 — 231 Boxer 238 7 — 1 230 Bridport 33 3 — — 30 Campbeltown 226 7 1 — 218 Cardiff 241 6 2 — 233 Chiddingfold 44 — 1 — 43 Cottesmore 38 1 — — 37 Coventry 229 8 — — 221 Cromer 36 2 — — 34