§ Mr. AmessTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the projected levels of Navy manpower for the next three years. [104555]
§ Mr. SpellarThe Strategic Defence Review addressed shortages in the Services and set a target for the Naval Service to bring overall strengths into line with requirements by 2002. It is on course to do so. The forecast requirement for 1 April 2002 is for 38,900 personnel. Our aim is to provide the trained strength needed to meet requirements.