HC Deb 07 May 1957 vol 569 cc794-5
33. Mr. Swingler

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state, on the basis of the rates of long-service voluntary recruitment and re-engagements in the last three years, what increases in the rates of long-service recruitment and re-engagement he requires in the next two years to be able to dispense with compulsory service in 1960.

Mr. John Hare

I propose to deal with this subject in my speech on the Army Estimates.

Mr. Swingler

In that speech, will the right hon. Gentleman be able to give the estimates for which I have asked? Can he give figures of the increase in recruitment that is required?

Mr. Hare

I shall not be able to do that, because that would be a matter of speculation.

Mr. Swingler

On the basis of the recruiting experience of the last two or three years, cannot the Secretary of State calculate what increase in recruitment of long-service volunteers is necessary to give him the size of volunteer army that the Government say they require by 1960?

Mr. Hare

I shall be able to do something on those lines, but the whole of this question will depend on the various factors affecting recruitment, which we are at present examining.

Mr. Strachey

Would not the Secretary of State agree that what it would really depend on is the production of suitable terms of service and other inducements to an all-professional volunteer army? May we expect an early announcement from the right hon. Gentleman on those lines?

Mr. Hare

As I have said, I hope to be dealing with this subject, but I cannot anticipate what I shall be saying next Tuesday.