HC Deb 22 March 1999 vol 328 cc16-7W
Mr. Waterson

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on recruitment to the Territorial Army. [75983]

Mr. Doug Henderson

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Arundel and South Downs (Mr. Flight) today,Official Report, column 9.

Mr. Keith Simpson

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to maintain the footprint of the Army in those areas of the country where there will be no regular or TA units. [74860]

Mr. Doug Henderson

[holding answer 5 March 1999]: The future footprint of the Army is defined by the location of Regular and Territorial Army units and facilities and will remain widespread following the SDR and the reform of the TA.

Mr. Keith Simpson

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will estimate the reduction in civilian posts from his review of the TA. [74861]

Mr. Doug Henderson

[holding answer 5 March 1999]: We expect that the reform of the Territorial Army will result in an overall loss of some 900 civilian posts spread throughout the United Kingdom. These numbers are, however, subject to Trade Union consultation.