HC Deb 13 April 1954 vol 526 cc946-7
16. Mr. Wigg

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will make a statement on Army educational policy and on the proposed reorganisation of the Royal Army Educational Corps.

Mr. Head

The Royal Army Educational Corps has three main tasks, the preliminary education of illiterate and semi-literate soldiers, general education and individual education. The proposed reorganisation of the corps follows an experiment in Salisbury Plain District and is planned to be put into effect throughout the Army. It is designed to reduce the manpower needs of the corps and to improve the standard of educational instruction in units.

Mr. Wigg

When the Minister drew up the scheme, did he consult with the civilian educational authorities?

Mr. Head

Yes, Sir, they were informed of this experiment which went on for several months on Salisbury Plain, they watched it with considerable interest, and it proved extremely successful.

Mr. Wigg

Would the Minister answer my question? I did not ask whether they had been informed but whether they had been consulted.

Brigadier Medlicott

Is it true that the Army Educational Corps are to be awarded a battle honour for the part they took in the 1945 Election?