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Armed Forces: Manpower

Volume 479: debated on Monday 21 July 2008

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will estimate (a) the number and (b) the proportion of the population which has served at any time in the armed forces. (217326)

The MOD does not hold a figure for the total number of living ex-service personnel. Against the 2005 Royal British Legion estimate, we judge there to be some 4.5 million veterans. This would amount to approximately 7.5 per cent. of the UK population.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which regiment or battalion forms the Spearhead Land Element (SLE); whether it is fully equipped; whether the present SLE is deployed; when the future SLE will take over from the present SLE; and what unit will form the next SLE. (220000)

3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland form the Spearhead Land Element (SLE), which is not currently deployed. The SLE is fully equipped in accordance with the Joint Rapid Reaction Force directive and operational mounting instructions. The next SLE will be provided by the 2nd Battalion The Rifles, who will assume this role from 25 July 2008.