HC Deb 01 October 1942 vol 383 cc918-9
41. Mr. Lindsay

asked the President of the Board of Education what arrangements exist between his Department and the War Office to safeguard the conditions and education standards of Army cadets below the age of 16?

Mr. Ede

The Board has asked local education authorities to give their help in developing the educational aspects of Army cadet training. I am sending my hon. Friend copies of a circular and administrative memorandum dealing with this matter.

Mr. Lindsay

I have seen the circular. Will the hon. Gentleman have a further look into it, because in one London borough 50 per cent. of the cadets have dropped off in the last few months. I think it requires some further examination.

Mr. Ede

The matter is receiving constant attention. I know that the county cadet committees and the local education authorities are very actively co-operating in the matter, and I think a substantial improvement in the education facilities for Army cadets is being made over wide stretches of the country.

Sir Joseph Lamb

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that unless the ceiling is increased many of the boys will be unable to join the Forces?

Mr. Ede

That is a matter for the Secretary of State for War, who replied this week that the matter was having serious consideration.