§ 3. Mr. Allasonasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the re-engagement rate in the Army in the current year; and what has been the rate in each of the previous five years.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Defence for the Army (Mr. James Boyden)Over the last five years the per- 376 centage of men who prolonged their service on reaching the 6, 9 and 12 year option points when they could ask for a free discharge was:
- (a) At the 6 year point
- in 1964 36 per cent.
- in 1965 36 per cent.
- in 1966 42 per cent.
- in 1967 50 per cent.
- in first half of 1968 50 per cent.
- (b) At the 9 year point
- The figures which are available from 1967 onwards are:
- in 1967 56 per cent.
- in first half of 1968 53 per cent.
- (c) At the 12 year point
- The figures which are available from 1966 onwards are:
- in 1966 87 per cent.
- in 1967 92 per cent.
- in first half of 1968 89 per cent.
§ Mr. AllasonIn view of the failure of Government recruiting for the Services is it not all the more essential to ensure that every possible man re-engages? Is the Minister satisfied that there is a sufficient pay differential to induce people to re-engage?
§ Mr. BoydenThese figures are reasonably satisfactory. I agree that some improvement is desirable, but it shows that serving men are satisfied with the Army and the figures of those serving who re-engage are increasing.
§ Mr. RamsdenAre the percentages which the hon. Gentleman has given the percentages of those eligible to re-engage at the particular point? If so, has he any further comment on this situation, as to whether or not he is satisfied with this rate?
§ Mr. BoydenNaturally, one would like better figures, but they are better than they have been in the past.