HC Deb 28 October 1947 vol 443 cc676-7
16. Major Legge-Bourke

asked the Secretary of State for War why the decision to discontinue primary training centres was taken, and if he is satisfied that this step will save manpower and at the same time maintain the standard of training.

Mr. Shinwell

This decision was taken in order to save manpower, and because it is now possible to introduce a method of selection designed to indicate for which arm of the Service a man is most suitable before he is called up. The answer to the second part of the Question is "Yes, sir."

Major Legge-Bourke

Would the right hon. Gentleman say whether, in the event of suddenly having to expand manpower, this can be done on the basis of the proposed abolition of the primary training centres, or whether it is proposed to evert to the system adopted during the war, which proved thoroughly satisfactory?

Mr. Shinwell

I cannot answer a question on expansion at the moment.

General Sir George Jeffreys

Will not the right hon. Gentleman employ some of the Regular battalions now due to be disbanded on reduced establishment, for doing this primary training which is now being done away with so far as these centres are concerned?

Mr. Shinwell

It is our opinion that the new method which is to come into operation shortly, and of sending men to a basic training unit of a particular Arm will be more satisfactory in point of efficiency.