51. Flight-Lieutenant Teeingasked the Prime Minister whether the daily charge of is. 9d. at camps held for sea, army and air cadets must continue to be met by parents or welfare funds; and whether it could be made a charge against grants, so enabling many more boys to attend such camps.
§ The Prime MinisterI am not aware that members of these Forces are in fact unable to attend camps on account of these charges.
§ Mr. Kenneth LindsayWould my right hon. Friend bear in mind that these excellent organisations are voluntary, and that it is a matter of pride that these boys save up for a year to go to them? Most of them are working boys.
§ Captain PluggeIs my right hon. Friend alive to the importance of the Army cadet battalions? Cannot something be done on the lines suggested to increase the number of boys who attend these camps which form such a useful part of their Army training and for which they voluntarily give their only annual holiday?
§ The Prime MinisterI am not aware that any are deterred on account of these charges. They are very moderate.
§ 52. Flight-Lieutenant Teelingasked the Prime Minister whether the officers accompanying cadets to sea, Army and Air Force camps, are taken on the strength and paid at Service rates during the period of the camp.
§ The Prime MinisterOfficers of the Army Cadet Force who are on the strength of cadet units are dealt with in the same way as officers of the Home Guard. They receive no pay, but rations and compensation for loss of earnings whilst attending courses and attachments, and certain free services including free travel in certain circumstances. Officers of the Sea Cadet Corps and of the Air Training Corps are treated somewhat differently when they attend approved camps or courses. They are in general given the pay of their substantive rank for a limited period in addition to free accommodation and rations.
§ Flight-Lieutenant TeelingMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman why there should be any difference between the boys and the officers at the same camps?
§ The Prime MinisterThe officers are giving service, and the boys are receiving instruction.
§ Flight-Lieutenant TeelingAre not the boys, at the same time, rendering a service, in training to join the Forces?