There have been high numbers of soldiers leaving the Army

In 2006 �89m was spent on recruiting - an increase of just over �3.5m on the previous year.

There were more than 12,700 new recruits this year- but almost 14,500 personnel left the service.

The figures were revealed in a written parliamentary answer by Defence Minister Derek Twigg.

Despite the high number of soldiers leaving the Army, the number recruited in 2006 shows an increase of about 1,000 on last year.

The trained strength of the Army currently stands at 95,560.

Shadow defence secretary Liam Fox said: "The government is throwing money at recruitment in a desperate attempt to keep up numbers.

"They should be focusing on the retention crisis, which sees some of the most skilled and experienced soldiers quitting the Army," he said.

Shorter gaps between tours of duty and concerns over kit, pay and allowances were starting to hit morale and adding further pressure on service families, he went on.