HC Deb 17 April 1957 vol 568 cc1895-6
2. Mr. Swingler

asked the Minister of Defence what has been the annual net recruitment of long-service volunteers to the Services in the last three years; and what annual net rate of recruitment he requires to abolish conscription in 1960.

Mr. Sandys

Since the Answer contains a table of figures, I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Swingler

For the benefit of hon. Members interested, could the right hon. Gentleman say what percentage increase in the rate of recruitment of long-service volunteers is necessary, on his calculations, in the next three years in order to avoid the continuance of a selective system of compulsory service, bearing in mind the experience of the last three years? What percentage increase in the net rate of annual recruitment will be required in the next three years to put the forces on an all-Regular basis?

Mr. Sandys

That is, in effect, the Question on the Order Paper in different words. As I said, the Answer contains a table of figures, and I think that it will be more convenient if I circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Strachey

Would the right hon. Gentleman not agree that it is very urgent that he should bring forward inducements for a higher rate of recruiting at a very early date, because otherwise we shall be in considerable trouble five years hence?

Mr. Sandys

Yes. The right hon. Gentleman knows as well as I do that that is very necessary and that it was specifically mentioned in the White Paper.

Following is the answer:

MALE REGULAR RECRUITS ENTERED IN EACH OF THE SERVICES FOR PERIODS LONGER THAN THREE YEARS IN 1954, 1955 AND 1956
— 1954 1955 1956
Royal Navy* … 8,111 7,582 7,662
Army† … 3,070 2,325 5,427
Royal Air Force … 13,099 11,171 12,820
24,280 21,078 25,909
* All Regular recruits enter the Navy for engagements of more than three years.
† Between May, 1952, and February, 1956, the maximum period for which adult recruits could enter the Army initially was normally three years.

The numbers of recruits that will be needed in the years ahead must depend on the number of re-engagements of both short-service and long-service men, as well as on certain other factors. It is therefore not possible to give any precise forecast.