3. Mr. H. D. Hughesasked the Secretary of State for War what is the present strength of officers and men in the A.E.C.; and how many of each category are now being trained in addition to these.
§ Mr. BellengerThe present strength of the R.A.E.C. is approximately 400 officers and 1,14o other ranks. In addition 25 officers and 380 other ranks are now being trained for transfer to the R.A.E.C. and arrangements are being made for the further training of 65o officers and 2,800 other ranks in the Army schools of education and instructional wings of Army colleges at Home and overseas during the 12 months started 1st April, 1947.
4. Mr. H. D. Hughesasked the Secretary of State for War what medical and other conditions are required for officers and men wishing to serve in the A.E.C.
§ Mr. BellengerAll applicants must be fit for service at home or overseas. Officers must possess at least one of the following qualifications: a degree of a British university, or a qualification accepted by the Army Council as equivalent; recognition by the Ministry of Education as a qualified teacher; outstandingly successful experience under the Army Education Scheme. Other ranks must have qualified for admission to a British university or possess some 4 other qualification accepted by the Army Council as equivalent; in exceptional cases evidence of outstanding work under the Army Education Scheme may be accepted.
Mr. HughesIs my right hon. Friend satisfied that he is likely to obtain the number of recruits that he proposes for training in the current financial year?
§ Mr. BellengerYes, Sir, I think so. These figures rather indicate that I ought to be able to get them.