§ 22. Air Commodore A. V. Harveyasked the Secretary of State for War what steps are being taken to improve and lengthen the present period of 10 weeks' training for National Service men before proceeding to Malaya.
§ Mr. HeadAll National Service men, before they go to Malaya, receive 16 weeks' training in the United Kingdom. Arrangements are also made on all troopships to do the maximum amount of training during the voyage.
§ Air Commodore HarveyDoes my right hon. Friend realise that out of the 16 weeks to which he has referred much time is taken for leave and other duties? Will he bear in mind that hon. Members on both sides of the House, including himself, for the last 18 months have been asking for this form of training to be given?
§ Mr. HeadI have looked into this matter. This period of 16 weeks does not include leave, leave being a separate and additional period. I would also inform my hon. and gallant Friend that every National Service man arriving in Malaya has a minimum of four weeks' acclimatisation and jungle training before he takes part in operations.
§ Air Commodore HarveyMay we have an assurance that during the four weeks these men will not be withdrawn for active operations? War in Malaya is far more difficult than war elsewhere.
§ Lieut-Colonel W. H. Bromley-DavenportIs my right hon. Friend aware of the very strong feeling that exists all over the country against sending these boys into battle with too little training, due largely to the neglect of our defences by the previous Government?
§ Mr. HeadIt will always be our endeavour to see that no man who is not adequately trained and acclimatised shall take part in active operations.