§ 80. Mr. Kershawasked the Minister of Defence how many former British students of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Defence College in Paris now hold the rank of brigadier or equivalent.
§ Mr. John HareI have been asked to reply.
Five former students now hold the rank of brigadier and nine the rank of captain, R.N.
§ Mr. KershawIs my right hon. Friend satisfied that this comparatively small proportion of the seventy-eight students who have passed through shows that students of the right calibre are being chosen for this important course?
§ Mr. HareI do not think that these numbers are unsatisfactory. The course started only six years ago, and other former students will doubtless be promoted later on.
§ 81. Mr. Kershawasked the Minister of Defence whether he will now arrange for the satisfactory completion by an officer of a course at the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Defence College in Paris to be recorded after the officer's name in the appropriate service list, in the way that staff college qualifications are recorded.
§ Mr. John HareI have been asked to reply. This matter is being considered.
§ Mr. KershawIn considering the matter, will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that attendance at similar colleges in America—the J.S.S.C. and others—does carry this qualification, and it would be a good thing for the prestige of this important college if the Government would allow that to happen in this case?
§ Mr. HareI shall certainly see that what my hon. Friend says is brought to the notice of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Defence.