§ 20. Sir Ralph Glynasked the Secretary of State for War if he will give the total number of cadets now in the United Kingdom and indicate what are the training facilities provided for cadet instruction in the construction and handling of tanks, armoured cars and other specialised branches of the Army.
§ Mr. BellengerAs the answer is rather long, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Following is the answer:
§ The total number of cadets in the Senior and Junior Training Corps and the Army Cadet Force is approximately 156,000. The Army has issued a considerable amount of equipment to stimulate interest among cadets in technical subjects, and offers a Certificate "T" to those cadets who qualify themselves in 205 certain trades. There are a large number of Signal Sections, with wireless sets and signal equipment, in units of the Junior Training Corps and Army Cadet Force. Local authorities, in addition, co-operate in some places by providing instructors and equipment for classes of cadets.
§ There is not time for a boy at school or at work to undertake a serious study of so complicated a subject as the construction and handling of tanks. The interest of cadets in such matters is, however, met by offering them demonstrations by arms such as the Royal Armoured Corps, Royal Artillery and Royal Engineers, while at annual camp, and at other times where this is practicable. Most Senior Training Corps have specialist units such as Royal Armoured Corps, Royal Artillery and Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. These specialist units are provided with the necessary equipment to enable training to be carried out.