HC Deb 25 October 1950 vol 478 c2790
49. Brigadier Head

asked the Minister of Defence what was the number of Regular recruits showing men and women separately, joining the Armed Forces between the date of the announcement by the Government of improved rates in pay and the latest convenient date, together with the figures for the corresponding period in 1949.

The Minister of Defence (Mr. Shinwell)

The figures of final enlistments in the Armed Forces in the month of September, 1950, were 7,665 men and 716 women. The corresponding figures for September, 1949, were 5,388 men and 731 women. These figures are not a true measure of the effect on recruiting of the improved rates of pay recently announced, since there is an appreciable interval between provisional acceptance at a recruiting office and final enlistment. The figures of provisional acceptance of recruits during the month of September, 1950, were 9,797 men and 1,393 women.

Brigadier Head

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied, on the whole and from the signs so far, with the results of the increased pay?

Mr. Shinwell

There has been an improvement, but I would not go so far as to say that I am satisfied.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Could my right hon. Friend tell us whether there has been a boom in recruiting as a result of increased pay?

Mr. Shinwell

I am not quite sure what is meant by a "boom." I should like a very accurate definition.