I propose to take Questions Nos. 8 and 24 together. Details of the establishment and strength of the Permanent Defence Force as at 30 April 1993 are as follows:
|
Establishment
|
Strength
|
Army
|
15,463
|
10,763
|
Air Corps
|
1,237
|
1,025
|
Naval Service
|
1,266
|
1,003
|
At present there are about 11,000 names on lists of those who wish to join the Permanent Defence Force. Down through the years the establishment figures have never been realised. They are notional figures and have no relevance to actual current requirements. The important figures in this respect are the strength figures, which are maintained at a sufficiently high level to enable the military authorities to carry out their allotted tasks at home and abroad.
As the House will be aware, a radical overhaul of the structures and systems of the Defence Forces is to be carried out under the aegis of the efficiency audit group. The first step in that exercise is a review of the roles of the Defence Forces and this is being actively pursued in consultation with the relevant interests, including the Select Committee on Legislation and Security.
It is clear from studies already undertaken that there are serious imbalances in the distribution and deployment of military personnel with the result that disproportionate numbers are employed on administration and clerical duties, in the running of stores, on cooking and mess duties and on maintenance work. The review which is being undertaken should result in the much more efficient use of the vast resources involved.