§ Mr. HagueTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to make a statement on the implications of the case of Lt. Colonel Surinder Nath Saggar of Brompton on Swale, North Yorkshire. [10501]
404W(2) what (a) the required trained strength, (b) the actual trained strength and (c) the percentage shortfall of the Territorial Army was in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement; [8911]
(3) how many members of the Territorial Army achieved their bounty in training years (a) 1998–99, (b) 1999–2000 and (c) 2000–01; and if he will make a statement. [8912]
§ Dr. Moonie[holding answer 19 October 2001]: The Ministry of Defence defines Territorial Army (TA) Personnel who have passed all their annual individual and collective training requirements as "Fit for Role". Figures showing the strength of the TA are reported quarterly to the House of Commons Defence Committee and are available in the Library of the House.
Wastage figures and the numbers of TA Personnel who are assessed as "Fit for Role" are presented in the table.
§ Mr. IngramThe Tribunal's written decision was received on 12 October 2001 and legal advice has been sought on the implications. Once that advice has been considered the position is clearer, I will write to the right hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.
§ Mr. HagueTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many cases have been brought against the Ministry of Defence under the Race Relations Act 1976 by service men serving on sovereign bases overseas; and what the outcome of each case was. [10504]
§ Mr. IngramThere has been only one such claim. This claim was brought by Lt. Colonel Surinder Nath Saggar and was dismissed by the Thornaby on Tees Employment Tribunal for lack of jurisdiction on 18 September 2001.