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Written question asked by Liam Fox (Conservative) on Tuesday, 21 October 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 23 October 2008. It was answered by Bob Ainsworth (Labour) on Monday, 27 October 2008 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.


Armed Forces: Manpower

Question
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many pinchpoint trades there were in each service in each year since 2003.
Answer

The inclusion of a trade on the Pinch Point register is subjective. There are a variety of factors, not of all which reflect a manning shortfall that will determine the inclusion of a trade. Single-Services review their list quarterly. Recent improvements in the analysis of problem trades has narrowed the focus on trades to specific rank ranges or has subdivided a trade in order to better focus resources at the problem. This has led in part to the gradual rise in the number of pinch points for example Merlin Aircrew has now been subdivided into Merlin pilots, Observers and Aircrewman. By narrowing the focus into rank areas such as Infantry Pte-LCpl resources are better focussed and the impact more apparent.

RN Army RAF
2003-04 10 26 19
2004-05 12 25 23
2005-06 12 24 21
2006-07 11 27 14
2007-08 20 30 25

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
481 c625W; 230168
Session
2007-08
Subjects
Armed forces Staff
Link
View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk