§ 35. Sir F. Medlicottasked the Minister of Defence if he will make a statement in regard to recruiting figures since the recent pay increases in the Services.
§ 32. Mr. D. Howellasked the Minister of Defence what improvements in recruiting have followed the recent pay increases in the Services; and whether he will now make a statement.
§ Sir W. MoncktonThe new rates of pay came into effect on 1st April and we now have firm recruiting figures for that month. They indicate a definite improvement over the corresponding period for last year but it would be premature to draw any conclusions from them at this stage. I will, with permission, circulate the figures in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Sir F. MedlicottCan my right hon. and learned Friend say whether the recent increases in pay are part of an overall plan which has as its objective the ultimate abolition of National Service and the reliance on professional Regular Forces?
§ Sir W. MoncktonThe object was to try to get the Regular Forces up to the appropriate strength at which they would be most efficient for our purpose, and if, as a result, we were able to dispense with National Service in whole or in part, it would be satisfactory to all sides of the House.
§ Mr. ShinwellWill the figures indicate any improvement in the longer-term engagements, which is, after all, the vital consideration?
§ Sir W. MoncktonThe right hon. Gentleman is quite right. That is a vital consideration—even more vital than the number of new recruits. It is more difficult to give precise figures, but there is an improvement, and I hope in the course of a few days to be able to give some figures.
§ Mr. M. StewartCan the right hon. and learned Gentleman ensure that the figures, both as to recruitment and as to continuance in the Services, are made readily available to hon. Members at convenient regular intervals?
§ Sir W. MoncktonI am taking steps to do that about recruitment, but I ask to be excused from making a definite promise about the other aspect, because it is a more difficult thing to promise in advance.
— April, 1955 April, 1956 Royal Navy 288 857 Army 2,811 3,800 Royal Air Force 1,520 1,808 4,619 6,465