§ Mr. KeetchTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many troops are deployed overseas; and how many were overseas on 25 December in each of the last three years. [83468]
Mr. IngrainThe figures for the average number of personnel from each Service deployed on Military Tasks overseas for the quarter ending 30 September 2002, the most recent figures available, are shown in the following table. Please note that the figures do not include personnel either preparing for or recovering from deployments on Military Tasks.
Second quarter 2002–03 (July to September 2002) Number Percentages of trained strength Navy (including Royal Marines) 3,888 10.4 Army 8,783 8.6 Air Force 3,841 7.9 The figures for personnel deployed overseas on 25 December in each of the last three years is not available in the required timescale. I will write to the hon. Member with the requested information and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.