HC Deb 07 May 1969 vol 783 cc429-30
10. Sir Ian Orr-Ewing

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what were the final other rank recruiting deficits in the last financial year for each of the three services.

Mr. Reynolds

2,300 for the Royal Navy; 10,700 for the Army; 2,000 for the Royal Air Force.

Sir Ian Orr-Ewing

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that a shortfall of 15,000 in the very modest target which was set by the Government is a devastating revelation in view of the dangerous situation which exists all over the world, a determining factor in the level of recruitment, which at present is very unsatisfactory?

Mr. Reynolds

I would not say that it was devastating or desperately serious for this sort of thing to happen in one year. It is far from satisfactory. We hope to get it right. I announced in the defence debate some of the measures we are taking: and, with the report which we expect shortly to receive from the National Board, we hope to get matters right later on this year.

Mr. Murray

To put these figures into perspective, will my right hon. Friend publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the annual shortfall since 1951?

Mr. Reynolds

If a Question were to be tabled, I have no doubt that the information could be provided.

36. Mr. Goodhart

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for manning the forces in the event of sufficient volunteers for all Regular forces not being forthcoming.

Mr. Reynolds

As I have told the House before, we are not planning for the hypothetical situation of a breakdown in the voluntary system. It is better to emphasise the fact that the Services have a clear and worth-while future, and that young men of the right quality are assured of an absorbing and rewarding career.

Mr. Goodhart

Since recruitment is still deplorably low—with the Army 15,000 men short of its established strength—has the right hon. Gentleman asked the staff to prepare contingency plans for the introduction of selective service?

Mr. Reynolds

I answered that in my main answer. No, Sir.

Rear-Admiral Morgan-Giles

Do the Government plan any further economies in defence spending in this matter? If so, how can they say that the reorientation of defence policy is completed?

Mr. Reynolds

The economies in our plans have all been announced to the House in the last 18 months or so.