HC Deb 07 March 1962 vol 655 c374
1. Mr. Kershaw

asked the Minister of Defence what further consideration he has given to the granting to officers attending the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Defence College in Paris of appropriate marks of qualification in their Service lists.

The Minister of Defence (Mr. Harold Watkinson)

It has now been agreed that attendance or service at the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Defence College should be recognised in Service lists by the symbol "n.a.d.c.".

Mr. Kershaw

While thanking my right hon. Friend for that reply, may I ask him whether he does not agree that it is very desirable that we should give the same attention to this important college as our allies do?

Mr. Watkinson

I quite agree. I think it does very useful work indeed, and I am very glad that we have been able to give it this recognition.

2. Mr. Kershaw

asked the Minister of Defence how many officers have attended the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Defence College in Paris in the last five years; and how many of these are still serving.

Mr. Watkinson

Fifty-six officers of the Armed Services, including those on the current course, have attended the college since March, 1957; 51 are still serving.

Mr. Kershaw

Is my right hon. Friend aware that that is a very satisfactory proportion and will correct the impression which has sometimes been given that some officers who attend are just about to retire and are, therefore, not very useful to their Service?

Mr. Watkinson

I am very glad that my hon. Friend has raised that point, because it has been brought to my notice before. I think that officers who have served on this useful course ought to go back to their own Service and carry the tradition with them.