HC Deb 16 July 1958 vol 591 cc1232-3
44. Wing Commander Bullus

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether the recent improvement in recruiting extends to ex-airmen who have re-enlisted for service.

Mr. C. I. Orr-Ewing

Yes, Sir. The number of ex-airmen rejoining for further service during the first quarter of this year already showed a welcome increase over the figure for the first quarter of 1957. In the second quarter the figure was more than two and a half times as large as in the comparable period last year.

Wing Commander Bullus

Has my hon. Friend any information to show what are the main factors in this very encouraging trend?

Mr. Orr-Ewing

We have undertaken a small survey, and it appears that airmen are re-enlisting for three main reasons. Firstly, there are the comradeship and the interest of the Service. Secondly, there are the savings in personal and family expenditure. Until people live in civil life they often do not realise how much things cost. [HON. MEMBERS: "Hear, hear."] Thirdly, there is the opportunity which the Service gives for training a man in his trade and giving him a secure future.

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