asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the total number of bandsmen (a) in the Royal Marines and (b) the Royal Air Force; how many regular bands exist in each; what is the established strength of each band; and how these figures are to be reduced.

The total complemented strength of the Royal Marines Band Service is 563 of which 539 officers, musicians and buglers actually form part of the bands, the remainder comprising headquarters support and a margin to cover sickness and leave. Current bearing in the Royal Marine Band Service is 513 broken down as follows:

	Number
1. Commando Training Centre, Royal Marines	42
2. Royal Marines Deal (includes the School of Music)	115
3. Commando Forces, Plymouth	42
4. Commander-in-Chief, Naval Home Command	66
5. Commander-in-Chief, Fleet	66
6. Flag Officer, Plymouth	42
7. Flag Officer, Naval Air Command	42
8. Flag Officer, Scotland and Northern Ireland	42
9. Dartmouth (Britannia Royal Naval College)	34
10. Flag Officer, Third flotilla	22

These figures will be reduced by the phasing out of three bands as follows:

	Number
1 April 1983 - Flag Officer, Naval Air Command	42
1 April 1985 - Commando Forces Plymouth	42
1 April 1987 - Flag Officer, Third Flotilla	22

After 1987 the total complemented strength will therefore be 457 officers, musicians and buglers.