HC Deb 15 March 1961 vol 636 cc1374-5
8. Mr. Mayhew

asked the Secretary of State for War when he expects to receive the report on wastage of Army recruits from the Army Operational Research Group.

Mr. Profumo

In about a year's time. However, I expect an interim report in the late autumn.

Mr. Mayhew

In a year's time there may be as many as 3,000 men purchasing their discharge from the Army. What is the Minister's view of the reasons for this high rate of wastage, and what proposals is he making to check it?

Mr. Profumo

I do not think that, at the moment, I have anything to add to what I said in the debate last week. This examination that I am having undertaken must take a long time, because it is part of a major examination of the long-term problems of the Army. That is why I held a quick examination, and I told the House last week what we had found and what we are trying to do meantime. We ought now to wail for the full report.

Mr. Mayhew

When will the interim report be ready? Shall we have a chance to see it?

Mr. Profumo

I hope that the interim report will be ready in the autumn, and if there is anything significant in it I will, of course, let the House know.

Mr. Kershaw

Is not the rate of wastage in the Brigade of Guards lower than that in other units, and is it not the fact, therefore, that the offensive remarks of the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent, South (Mr. Ellis Smith) are not only stupid but wrong?

Mr. Ellis Smith

Remember how you treat our lads.

Mr. Speaker

Order. I am afraid that if there is much noise the Chair might be reduced to making "sergeant-major" noises.