Territorial Army (Hansard, 11 July 2002)

§ Mr. Swire
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the strength of the Territorial Army is. [66717]

§ Dr. Moonie
As at 1 May 2002, the strength of the Territorial Army stood at 39,125 personnel, which includes those currently mobilised in support of operations.

§ Mr. Laws
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the restructuring of the Territorial Army was completed; and if he will make a statement. [69103]

§ Dr. Moonie
The Strategic Defence Review required the re-organised Territorial Army to be operationally effective by 31 March 2000. All units formed as required, although some units were retained beyond this date until such time as regular units could assume their role as planned. The process of converting to new roles is continuing, and shortfalls in manpower in some areas (in particular the Army Medical Service(TA)) are also being addressed.

§ Mr. Joyce
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the Territorial Army intelligence specialists called out into service last February are to be replaced; and if he will make a statement. [69781]

§ Dr. Moonie
As a result of the significant increase in intelligence work following the events of 11 September, the need to augment the Defence Intelligence Staffs and other headquarters organisations by some 55 reservists continues. It is therefore necessary to call out compulsorily a second tranche of intelligence specialists to relieve the majority of those called out last February who now wish to resume their civilian employment. The individuals involved in the second tranche will primarily come from the Territorial Army, but a small number will also come from the Royal Naval Reserve and the Royal Auxiliary Air Force. They will commence their appointments in mid-August. We recognise the essential contribution made by these reservists to the operations against global terrorism and are grateful to them, their families and their employers for their support.