§ Dr. Julian LewisTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many trained(a) officers and (b) other ranks have left the Royal Navy in each of the past five years; what estimate he has made of likely future trends; and what steps he is taking to reduce the numbers of trained personnel leaving the Royal Navy. [84370]
813W
§ Dr. MoonieThe information requested is set out in the table, including Royal Marines:
Exits during financial year Trained officers1 Trained ratings/other ranks1 1997–98 500 3,560 1998–99 450 3,600 1999–2000 500 3,610 2000–01 400 3,100 2001–02 440 3,540 1 Source—Defence Analytical Services Agency. Figures have been rounded to the nearest multiple of 10, consistent with the presentation in DASA's Quarterly Press Release. The latest published figures, for 1 October 2002, show that during the 12 months to 30 September 2002 the rate of outflow has slowed to 400 officers and 3,230 ratings/ other ranks, and this favourable trend is expected to continue.
The rate of outflow is reducing, but retention is still recognised as a major challenge. A range of measures are in hand to address the issue holistically throughout the service.