HC Deb 17 May 1961 vol 640 c1361
24. Mr. Wainwright

asked the Secretary of State for War, if he will take action to prevent the disbanding of the Army Cadet Force at Denaby Main in the Dearne Valley constituency.

Mr. Profumo

No, Sir. It proved uneconomical to maintain this unit as a separate detachment, and I support the County Cadet Commandant's decision.

Mr. Wainwright

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the village of Denaby there is great enthusiam for this Army Cadet Force? Does he believe that these boys, if they should happen to parade towards Buckingham Palace this coming Saturday, should be labelled "the forty thieves"? Will he reconsider his decision? Will he consult the Civil Lord of the Admiralty who seems to be very interested in recruiting young boys, and make certain that the Army obtains its full strength through boys of this kind joining the forces in later life?

Mr. Profumo

I cannot reconsider this matter. I have given it the most careful consideration. I am happy to say that those who are still keen to work—and I am very interested in the work of the cadets—can attend parades at Mexborough which, I am told, is only three miles away. Therefore, they will still have a chance of recruiting themselves to the service of the country. I have only a certain amount of money which I am able to spend on this organisation, and I must judge it, as my predecessors have, by those units which are efficient. While I do not want to weary the House with a lot of details, this particular unit had over a period of time been very inefficient indeed. However, I hope that those who still want to work will do so through the Mexborough camp.