§ Mr. SwayneTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent assessment has been made of the capability of each of the territorial infantry battalions to be deployed on operations as formed units. [R] [9672]
§ Dr. MoonieUnder the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) the Territorial Army (TA) was restructured to make it more relevant and usable and more fully integrated into our armed forces and defence plans. As a result, more TA units are now held at a higher state of readiness than pre-SDR and we continue to assess that the TA infantry battalions have the capability to be deployed on operations as formed units. As such they are an essential part of the Army's order of battle.
§ Mr. SwayneTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent assessment has been made of the capability of the TA to provide the framework for the rapid expansion of the forces; and if he will make a statement. [R] [9676]
§ Dr MoonieThe national footprint of Territorial Army (TA) units, created following the Strategic Defence Review, continues to provide a sound basis for generating formed units and individuals as an essential part of the Army's order of battle. We are looking at ways of increasing the contribution the TA makes to our defence plans. In line with the strategy for the Army (a version of which was placed in the House Library in March) a range of options is being considered including how the TA may be used in providing assistance to the civil community in an emergency.
§ Mr. JenkinTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Territorial Army units he has available with anti-aircraft capability. [13835]
§ Dr Moonie[holding answer 9 November 2001]: Within the Territorial Army, there are two Air Defence Artillery Regiments equipped with the Javelin air defence missile system, and one Air Defence Artillery Regiment trained in the use of the Rapier air defence missile system and the high velocity missile system. These are available at extended readiness to deploy on operations.