§ 24. Rear-Admiral Morgan-Gilesasked the Minister of State for Defence what is the present shortfall of Regular officers in each of the three Services.
§ Lord BalnielThe shortfalls of male trained officers at 1st April 1971 were as follows :
Royal Navy and Royal Marines 349 Army 90 Royal Air Force 149
§ Rear-Admiral Morgan-GilesAre not the figures that my right hon. Friend has 710 just given a significant indication of a very serious situation, especially in the Royal Navy? Can my right hon. Friend say what plans his Department has for dealing with the situation?
§ Lord BalnielThe size of the Navy shortfall reflects the low level of recruitment resulting from the policies pursued by right hon. and hon. Gentlemen opposite when they were in office. I am glad to tell my hon. and gallant Friend that, during the first six months of 1971, applications for the Royal Navy were 50 per cent. higher than in the corresponding period last year.
§ Mr. AshtonIs not that due to unemployment among young white-collar workers and school leavers who see no employment opportunities other than joining the Forces?
§ Lord BalnielI think that the main reason is that, throughout the country, it is now realised that in joining the Services of the Crown, there is a future for people under the present Government. The improved recruiting is not confined to the Royal Navy. Applications for entry into the Army increased by 31 per cent. in the first six months of this year, and the number of applications for the Air Force rose by 72 per cent.
§ Sir H. HarrisonDoes not my right hon. Friend agree that increased numbers of young men electing to take commissions in the Services reflect their confidence in this Government?
§ Lord BalnielThey have confidence in this Government. They also have confidence that they have before them a career which is immensely worth while and one which is held in the highest respect throughout the community.
§ Mr. Robert HughesIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the traditional alternatives offered to the Scottish people by his Administration and their predecessors have been the Labour Exchange and the recruiting office? Will not the right hon. Gentleman accept that it is because of high unemployment that he is getting his recruits?
§ Lord BalnielIn view of the shortfall two years ago, which was almost of drastic seriousness to the country, I think that there will be overwhelming support 711 for and pleasure in the fact that recruitment to the Services is now increasing.
§ Major-General Jack d'Avigdor-GoldsmidReverting to the original Question, does my right hon. Friend agree that the present increase in the numbers of young men taking short service commissions in the Army is extremely satisfactory?
§ Lord BalnielMy hon. and gallant Friend echoes the views that I have been expressing myself.
§ Mr. George ThomsonDoes the right hon. Gentleman agree that the welcome improvement in recruiting figures is due directly to the military salary introduced by the previous Administration and that, in so far as recruiting has improved, it must be because this Government have now adopted the defence budget and the defence policies of their predecessors?
§ Lord BalnielWhy complain, if that is the case? Certainly I concede that the introduction of a military salary has been of value in encouraging people to join the Services.
§ Mr. SpeakerQuestions to the Prime Minister. Mr. William Hamilton.
§ Mr. William Hamilton rose—
§ Mr. McMasterOn a point of order. I do not think that the clock yet says a quarter-past three.
§ Mr. SpeakerIt is for me to judge the time.