HC Deb 26 March 1947 vol 435 cc1234-6
48. Brigadier Low

asked the Minister of Defence how many months' training is required in the R.N., the Army and the R.A.F., respectively, before a man is so adequately trained that after 60 days' part-time service he may be counted on as a trained member of the Reserve; and whether this period has to be increased, and by how much, when the trainee is engaged in occupational guard duties.

Mr. Alexander

Training periods vary considerably between different trades and between the Services. They would not be materially affected by employment on guard duties performed in the normal course of service.

Brigadier Low

Could the right hon. Gentleman not tell us what training periods are necessary? If he does not tell us, how are we reasonably to discuss this matter on the National Service Bill?

Mr. Alexander

I am quite sure the hon. and gallant Member recognises the great variety of trades and occupations now included in the Armed Forces. The periods of training vary very considerably. If he is anxious to know each detail I am certainly prepared to send them to him.

Brigadier Low

Surely the Government must have come to some decision on this? I am asking the right hon. Gentleman to give the House the benefit of that decision.

Mr. Alexander

If the hon. and gallant Gentleman means a decision upon the use of armed guards, the training periods are known. But there is a great variety involved, and I do not want to delay the House with a long list. If the hon. and gallant Member wants them specially, I will have them sent to him.

Mr. Chetwynd

Could the right hon. Gentleman say the maximum amount of training spent in any one arm of the Services; is it 12 months or 18 months?

Mr. Alexander

In some skilled trades it may be over 18 months before a man becomes fully trained.

Mr. Frank Byers

Is it not possible for the Minister to give the shortest and the longest periods in each Service? Otherwise, how are we to discuss this on the National Service Bill? How can we come to a decision?

Mr. Alexander

It would be possible to give an answer of that kind, but I have had to deal with the Question that was put to me.

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