I propose to take Questions Nos. 76 and 77 together.
The following table shows the staffing levels (Whole Time Equivalent) in the Naval Service and Air Corps in each of the years 2015 to 2018 and to date in 2019: -
Year
|
Naval Service Strength (WTE)
|
Air Corps Strength (WTE)
|
2015
|
1,083
|
748
|
2016
|
1,090
|
704
|
2017
|
1,053
|
734
|
2018
|
989
|
725
|
2019*
|
955
|
708
|
* As at 30th June 2019, the latest date for which this data is available.
The Government remains committed to returning to, and maintaining the agreed strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500 personnel as set out in the White Paper on Defence (2015).