HC Deb 25 January 2001 vol 361 cc659-60W
Mrs. Curtis-Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many(a) regular forces, (b) reserves and (c) cadets have used the reserve forces training camp at Altcar, Hightown, Merseyside in each of the last 10 years; and what training is provided there. [146946]

Mr. Spellar

The facilities at Altcar offer a variety of training, including skill at arms training, specialised individual and collective training (including nuclear, biological and chemical and fighting in built up areas) and fitness training.

In terms of usage, the Ministry of Defence collects data on the numbers of personnel occupying bed spaces and the numbers who actually fire on the ranges. This information is shown in the tables.

Numbers occupying overnight accommodation at Altcar training camp
Year Regular army Other services TA Cadets Total
1991 13,146 1,842 32,196 21,146 68,330
1992 12,347 947 32,419 24,141 69,854
1993 10,172 470 35,177 25,968 71,787
1994 5,416 8,211 31,565 19,422 64,614
1995 5,626 3,647 27,510 27,783 64,566
1996 3,967 812 31,076 22,837 58,692
1997 1,737 468 27,789 23,153 53,147
1998 12,062 1,479 29,762 19,122 62,425
1999 13,293 650 26,893 34,084 74,920
2000 14,619 100 32,211 31,441 78,371
Numbers involved in firing on the ranges
Year Outdoor range number of firers Indoor range number of firers
1991 28,341 2,299
1992 33,989 2,412
1993 39,865 2,675
1994 24,032 3,113
1995 27,378 2,025
1996 24,623 1,903
1997 20,437 1,084
1998 22,486 1,598
1999 18,581 3,091
2000 11,712 1,825

My hon. Friend should note that those occupying overnight accommodation do not necessarily participate in firing on the ranges. Similarly, those participating in firing do not all stay at the camp overnight.

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