Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the manpower by unit (a) actual and (b) projected of the Royal Marines.

The published total trained strength for Regular and Full-Time Reserve Service Personnel in the Royal Marines as at 1 March 2017 is 6,790. This includes Royal Marines who are managed as part of the relevant Royal Navy branches. The figure has been taken from the RN/RM Monthly Situation Report and further statistical information can be found at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/608021/20170411_-_FINAL_-_RN_RM_Monthly_Situation_Report__rounded_.pdf

In terms of the projected number of Royal Marines, the Ministry of Defence undertakes detailed manpower planning for the Armed Forces but does not publish interim projections.