HC Deb 15 November 1955 vol 546 cc197-8
43. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for War how many boys or young men under the age of 18 are now serving in Her Majesty's Army; how many of these are serving overseas; and what is the average in recent years of those annually leaving the Army before 18 years of age.

Mr. Head

On 31st August, 4,322 boys under the age of 18 were serving on boys' engagements. Four thousand and two of these were at home and 320 abroad, mainly in Germany. No corresponding figures are available for youths who enlist on men's engagements between the ages of 17½ and 18. Recent experience suggests that about 450 boys are leaving the Army each year, the majority of them because they are found to be below the standard required.

Mr. Sorensen

Could the Secretary of State give the figures or percentage of boys who wish to leave the forces and are not, for some reason, permitted to do so? Can the right hon. Gentleman also say what is the general principle that prevails regarding the dispatch of these boys overseas?

Mr. Head

The answer to the first part of the hon. Member's supplementary question is, "No, Sir, not without notice," and I am not sure that I could answer even with notice. As to overseas service, the numbers have been and always are limited, but I am having the whole question of these boys gone into at present.