Written question asked by Paul Keetch (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 17 November 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 30 November 2000. It was answered by Lord Spellar (Labour) on Thursday, 30 November 2000 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many members of (a) the RAF, (b) the Army and (c) the Royal Navy he expects to be (i) serving abroad and (ii) deployed in front-line duties between 24th December and 2nd January 2001; what percentage of overall strength of each force this represents; and if he will make a statement. - Includes table.

Answer: Mr. Keetch: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many members of (a) the RAF, (b) the Army and (c) the Royal Navy he expects to be (i) serving abroad and (ii) deployed in front-line duties between 24 December and 2 January 2001; what percentage of overall strength of each force this represents; and if he will make a statement. [139757] Mr. Spellar: The current estimate of the number of personnel who will be serving abroad and deployed in front-line duties over the Christmas and new year period is as follows: _________________________________________________________________________________________________. Naval service Army RAF Estimated numbers serving abroad 5,100 34,500 6,600 As a percentage of trained 13 35 12 strength Of those serving abroad, 4,000 6,200 3,800 estimated numbers deployed on operations are As a percentage of trained 10 6 7 strength _________________________________________________________________________________________________. Notes: 1. All figures rounded to the nearest 100 2. Data excludes Mobilised Reservists

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 357 c723-4W; 139757
Session: 1999-00
Subjects: Armed forces Army Christmas Deployment Air force Festivals and special occasions Public holidays Navy
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk