HC Deb 24 January 1956 vol 548 cc21-2
29. Mr. M. Stewart

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will make a statement describing the extent to which the recommendations of the Committee on the Organisation and Administration of Boys' Units have been implemented.

Mr. Head

As my hon. Friend explained in a detailed Written Answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Harrow, East (Mr. Ian Harvey) on 1st November, most of the recommendations in the Report have already been put into effect. In particular the system of selecting boys has been improved, the daily life in boys' units has been greatly altered in accordance with the recommendations contained in the Report and we are now concentrating on obtaining better instructors and more continuity. Better accommodation is being provided, but there is still a lot to be done and in this respect it will take time.

Mr. Stewart

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the recommendation that the units should be inspected by the Ministry of Education has been carried out? Could he undertake to give, at some suitable date, a review of what has been done in improving standards of accommodation?

Mr. Head

Yes, Sir; I should certainly be willing to give a review. I was proposing to say something about this in my speech when the Army Estimates are introduced. With regard to inspection, I am only too anxious that we should be wide open for inspection and, indeed, for hon. Members to visit the schools as well.