Territorial Army

Mr. Lancaster
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what (a) recruiting, (b) training, (c) capability and (d) other activities are expected to be reduced to deliver the planned reduction in funding for the Territorial Army in financial years (i) 2007-08 and (ii) 2008-09;

(2) what representations he has received regarding the planned reduction in funding of the Territorial Army in years 2007-08 and 2008-09.

Mr. Ingram
[holding answers 15 June 2007]: A number of measures will be implemented in order to deliver the reduction in funding for the Territorial Army (TA) over the next two financial years. Recruiting for those TA units that are not contributing to, or have not contributed significantly to current overseas operations will cease for one year. Work is still ongoing to determine which units will be affected by this measure. The creation of a small number of the new units that have been planned under future army structures (Territorial Army) and the recruitment of a small number of non-regular permanent staff for new support roles within TA units will be delayed. There will also be a number of reductions in TA activities not directly related to the delivery of operational capability, including a reduction in the number and frequency of TA competitions, a reduction in TA support to employers' events and the cancellation of annual TA conferences.

Ministers have received no representations regarding the planned reduction in funding of the Territorial Army in years 2007-08 and 2008-09.