Written question asked by Lord Campbell of Pittenweem (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 5 May 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 24 May 1999. It was answered by Doug Henderson (Labour) on Monday, 24 May 1999 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what was (a) the ceiling on personnel numbers and (b) the actual strength of the Territorial Army in each month between May 1998 and May 1999; and if he will make a statement. - Including figures and table. (Holding answer 12 May 1999).

Answer: Mr. Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was (a) the ceiling on personnel numbers and (b) the actual strength of the Territorial Army in each month between May 1998 and May 1999; and if he will make a statement. [83629] Mr. Doug Henderson: [holding answer 12 May 1999]: The following is the information. TA strengths by month May 1998 to April 1999 _________________________________________________________________________________________________. Month Total May 1998 55,735 June 1998 55,612 July 1998 55,070 August 1998 54,737 September 1998 54,145 October 1998 53,847 November 1998 54,430 December 1998 54,031 January 1999 53,466 February 1999 52,312 March 1999 51,456 April 1999 50,438 _________________________________________________________________________________________________. Note: Figures do not include Non Regular Permanent Staff (NRPS) The establishment of the Territorial Army between 1 May 1998 and 1 May 1999 was 69,000. There is no ceiling on TA personnel. The drawdown in numbers evident from the start of 1999 reflects the gradual drawdown to the post SDR establishment of 41,204. It is our intention to recruit to the full establishment.

Secondary information