HC Deb 14 February 1968 vol 758 cc1331-2
18. Rear-Admiral Morgan Giles

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he has taken to ensure that Service personnel understand that the Services will still offer a good career to those who serve in them, with a view to maintaining recruitment.

Mr. Reynolds

We will do all we can to make it clear that the Services will continue to offer a thoroughly worthwhile career for those who serve in them; we are already emphasising this in current recruiting literature.

Rear-Admiral Giles

But is not the attitude of officers and men already serving the most important thing? Should not a Secretary of State, who has lost the confidence of these men, do the proper thing and resign?

Mr. Reynolds

The confidence of those already serving is, of course, very important, but the hon. and gallant Gentleman is, I am sure, aware that there is a very big turnover every year in the Services, so the attitude of the potential recruits is equally important.

Mr. Powell

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that we on this side, despite our condemnation of the Government's policies, will do our best to support and encourage recruitment for the Forces? But will he ensure that in recruitment literature false statements are not made, such as the statement in the Army recruiting notice in the last couple of days that the new measures are only speeding up reductions announced in July?

Mr. Reynolds

I thank the right hon. Gentleman for the first part of his ques- tion. I have read the Army advertisement and can see nothing wrong with it.

Mr. Winnick

Are Service personnel warned that if by any chance there were a Tory Government there is a possibility that they would be sent to fight in the American war in Vietnam? Are they warned of this possibility?

Mr. Speaker rose

—

Mr. Winnick

On a point of order. I have not received an answer to my question.

Mr. Speaker

The Minister does not have to answer an hon. Gentleman's question.