§ 33. Sir T. Beamishasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the estimated figures for recruitment and re-engagement, shown separately, in terms of man-years for 1966 if present recruiting trends continue; and what percentage fall these show on similar figures for each of the years 1964 and 1965.
§ Mr. J. P. W. MallalieuYes, Sir. In general the estimates show an expected rise, but this must not be taken to mean that the present recruiting and re-engagement rates are wholly satisfactory.
§ Sir T. BeamishIs the Minister aware that the 1966 Regular Army recruiting figures, in terms of man-years, look like showing a short-fall of at least 25 per cent. on 1964? Is that not a very disturbing side effect of 18 months of Socialist mismanagement and muddle?
§ Mr. HamlingCan my hon. Friend say what were the recruiting figures for the Royal Marines in the last 12 months?
§ Mr. MallalieuThey are down. The Royal Marines are the only category that is down.
§ Following are the figures:
| Estimate for 1st April 1966 to 31st March 1967 Man-years | Comparison with previous years 1964–65 1965–66 Percentage change | ||
| Recruitment | |||
| Royal Navy and Royal Marines | 70,500 | + 0.26 | + 1.4 |
| Army | 181,000 | -19 | + 1* |
| Royal Air Force | 57,000 | +55† | +25 |
| Re-engagement | |||
| Royal Navy and Royal Marines | 21,000 | + 7.75 | − 5.68 |
| Army | 42,000 | + 8 | +15 |
| Royal Air Force | 37,000 | +71 | +29 |
| * There is a slight swing from 6 year to 9 year engagements. | |||
| †R.A.F. recruiting was severely curtailed during 1964. |