§ 8. Mr. Fosterasked the Secretary of State for War the minimum time for the training of a new recruit to the Armed Forces before being drafted overseas to take part in military operations?
§ Sir J. GriggA soldier is not sent overseas until it is considered that he can perform the duties expected of him. As my hon. Friend will appreciate, the minimum time taken to train a recruit depends on the arm in which he is serving, and it is impossible for me to specify any period. In the interest of the individual soldier and of the Army as a whole every endeavour is made to extend training beyond the bare minimum if the demands of the military situation permit.
§ Mr. FosterIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of a case that has been sent to his Department from my constituency of a youth who, after less than six months' training, has been sent overseas? Does he consider that period long enough for a new recruit to meet the terrible conditions of war and all that it means?
§ Sir J. GriggI should not regard it as out of the question for some men working in base areas to go out in less than six months, but I should not regard it as a satisfactory period for combatant service. Perhaps the hon. Member will allow me to investigate the circumstances of the case before I answer on the point.
§ Sir Alfred BeitIs not six months far more liberal than occurred in the last war?
§ Sir J. GriggYes, but I think this is a rather more complicated war.