To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many hours were worked per week on average at each regular trained junior rank in the Army in (a) 2004-05 and (b) 2005-06. (77130)

The Defence Analytical Services Agency (DASA) carry out a continuous sample survey of working patterns which provides an estimate of the average working hours per person, per week, for each service, but the sample is insufficient to report on average working hours at the level of detail requested.

The results of the 2004-05 survey gave an estimate of an average of 46.7 “hours worked” per week for all regular trained junior ranks in the Army. Data for 2005-06 are not yet available.

“Hours worked” includes time spent carrying out normal work, secondary duties, compulsory fitness training, organised sports and representational activities, but excludes meal and tea breaks and time spent on call. The figures are not therefore comparable to calculations of “hours worked” in civilian professions.