HC Deb 31 May 1961 vol 641 cc238-9
24. Mr. Marsh

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will make a statement on the latest recruiting figures.

Mr. Profumo

The final figures for April are not yet available, but I am happy to say that the indications are that they will show a welcome increase both over the previous month and over April last year.

Mr. Marsh

While welcoming what the right hon. Gentleman has said, may I ask whether he can give some indication of the significance and size of the increase?

Mr. Profumo

No, Sir; I think the hon. Gentleman had better await the announcement by the Minister of Defence. It is an announcement which happens every month, and this one is due in about a week's time.

Dr. Alan Glyn

Would not my hon. Friend agree that we are looking at a small monthly figure whereas we should be looking at this in terms of the whole year or the year after, because it takes a long time for our recruiting programme to get going?

Mr. Profumo

There is a lot in what my hon. Friend has said. I have told the House that I will try to keep it in the picture. We must keep this matter in its proper perspective. I have not yet had full information about the results of the first nation-wide television recruiting campaign.