HC Deb 11 July 1950 vol 477 cc1116-8
9. Mr. Low

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps he is taking to increase the numbers of Regulars in the Army.

13. General Sir George Jeffreys

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps he is taking to make good the deficiency of Regular personnel in the Army.

Mr. Strachey

Terms of service have now been made more flexible. They cater specifically for the soldier who wishes to obtain trade union recognition for a skill acquired during his service and for the probable requirements of National Service men. In addition, a soldier may now extend his period of colour service at any time after his first year. Further variations of engagements are under consideration.

Every effort is being made to ensure that service in the Army does not prejudice a soldier's chance of employment on return to civil life and over a hundred trades have received trade union recognition. Measures have been taken to increase the provision of married quarters at home and abroad. Other steps to improve conditions of service were described in a reply given by my predecessor on 25th October, 1949.

In the field of publicity, efforts are being made through B.B.C. broadcasts, films and newspapers, to reach the widest possible recruiting field, and steps are being taken, within the limits imposed by normal duties, to arrange marches, displays and similar events.

In addition a full examination is at present being carried out in regard to the career structure and prospects within the Army with the object of providing a more attractive and possibly longer career.

Mr. Low

But is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that many of the things to which he has just referred have been in operation for some time and that, even though they have been in operation, the number of recruits has tended to dwindle, not to increase? Is it not about time that he completed his inquiry into the career and, particularly, the pay structure of the Army?

Mr. Strachey

That depends, of course, not only on my Department. Other Services and other Departments have to be consulted on that matter.

Sir G. Jeffreys

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that the organisation, the training and the efficiency of the Army depend largely on an adequate supply of Regular personnel, and does he really consider that the steps he has outlined will be sufficient largely to increase the number enlisting?

Mr. Strachey

No, I was careful to say that further steps are in contemplation, and I mentioned some of them, but I agree with the general proposition that the efficiency of the Army depends largely on an adequate Regular content.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

May I ask the Minister whether there has been any substantial increase in the number of recruits during the last fortnight?

Mr. Strachey

I cannot say.

Mr. Martin Lindsay

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that the two most effective measures would be, first, an increase in pay, and secondly, preference for employment after leaving the Service in some Government organisation, such as the Post Office?

Mr. Strachey

I would not like to set a priority. There are many things that are important. Married quarters, for example, come high on the priority list.

Mr. Snow

Is my right hon. Friend under the impression that the success of the American recruiting scheme is due to pay conditions only?

Mr. Strachey

I would not know enough about it to say.

Brigadier Head

Is the Secretary of State aware that during the past two years the trend has been for a gradual decrease in the number of Regulars, that recruiting is not making good this wastage, that if this trend continues the right hon. Gentleman will be in an extremely serious position shortly, that the matter has been under consideration for two years and that no effective steps have been taken?

Mr. Strachey

I could not agree that no steps have been taken—

Brigadier Head

No effective steps.

Mr. Strachey

A number of steps have been taken, but we are concerned over the trend of Regular recruiting.

Mr. Low

Will the right hon. Gentleman reconsider the answer given to his hon. Friend the Member for Lichfield and Tamworth (Mr. Snow)? Is it not about time that the War Office were in the closest touch with conditions of recruiting, and so on, in America, and ought he not to be severely influenced by the experience that they have had?