Written question asked by Jimmy Wray (Labour) on Monday, 14 April 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 8 May 2003. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Thursday, 8 May 2003 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what proportion of British troops are on active deployment; if he will make a statement on the levels of commitment; and what plans he has to reduce the number of deployments. - Inc table.

Answer: Mr. Wray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of British troops are on active deployment; if he will make a statement on the levels of commitment; and what plans he has to reduce the number of deployments. [110027] Mr. Ingram: The figures for the average number of personnel from each Service deployed on Military Tasks overseas for the quarter ending 31 March 2003, the most recent comprehensive figures available, are shown in the table. The figures do not include personnel either preparing for or recovering from deployments on Military Tasks. They also exclude personnel on duties in the United Kingdom such as firefighting. 4th Quarter 2002-03 (January--March 2003) _________________________________________________________________________________________________. Number Percentage of trained strength Navy (inc. Royal Marines) 8,091 21.5 Army 36,073 35.4 Air Force 6,947 14.3 _________________________________________________________________________________________________.

Secondary information