HC Deb 27 January 2000 vol 343 cc223-4W
Mr. Duncan Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the current strength of each of the battalions of the Parachute Regiment. [106564]

Mr. Spellar

[holding answer 24 January 2000]: The current UK trained strength for each of the three Regular parachute battalions and the Territorial Army battalion, as at 1 December 1999, is shown in the table.

Battalion Trained strength
1 Para1 538
2 Para1 2531
3 Para1 3644
4 Para (V) 4387
1 The figures are for UK Trained Army Personnel only, and exclude Locally Employed personnel, Royal Irish (Home Service) personnel, Reservists mobilised for duties associated with Bosnia, Full-time Reserve Service personnel, and Gurkhas.
2 Strength of 2 Para does not include the Gurkha Reinforcement Company (GRC) that is currently attached to it.
3 3 Para are currently on an operational tour which is reflected in their increased numbers.
4 On 1 July 1999, 4 and 10 Para merged to form a new 4 Para (V).