HC Deb 15 March 1961 vol 636 cc1377-8
12 and 13. Mr. W. Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) how much he intends to spend on the production of pamphlets to aid recruitment to the Army in the next year; and what increase this will represent over the comparable figures for each of the last three years;

(2) whether he is continuing the use of the pamphlet "Officer" for the purpose of recruiting officers to the Army; and what is the current cost of production of this pamphlet

Mr. Profumo

Next year I intend to spend £45,000 on the production of pamphlets to aid recruitment. This represents an increase of £1,400 over the current financial year; of £4,400 over 1959–60; and of £2,000 over 1958–59. The magazine "Officer" had its first issue last spring, and the Army's first number will be issued this May and will cost £2,900.

Mr. Hamilton

How does the right hon. Gentleman assess the efficacy of this method of recruitment, or is it simply a shot in the dark and one does not know how many recruits are obtained for this expenditure? In relation to Question No. 13, has the right hon. Gentleman read the evidence given last year to the Estimates Committee, when it was shown that the cost of a single copy of the "Officer" pamphlet was more than 8s. and that the comparable cost of a pamphlet issued for the Board of Trade to attract industry to under-developed areas was rather less than 2s.? Can the Minister say whether when the "Officer" pamphlet is produced for the Army, the cost will be much less than the 8s. that was stated in evidence to the Estimates Committee?

Mr. Profumo

I recognise the hon. Member's interest in this subject. In reply to the first part of his supplementary question, it is difficult to quantify the impact of any particular enterprise, but in publicity we have a right, and, indeed, a duty, to try all possible channels in their right proportions. The cost of "Officer" will, I think, be 6s. 8d. I know that by this time the hon. Member will have read the Treasury comments on the Select Committee's Report and that a review will be undertaken.