HC Deb 05 February 1974 vol 868 cc1025-6
9. Mr. Michael McNair-Wilson

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the total amount spent on recruiting promotion for the Armed Services; and if he will give the figure Service by Service.

Mr. Younger

The total amount being spent on recruiting publicity in the current financial year is about £6.4 million. Of this, about £2 million is being spent on the Royal Navy, about £2.9 million on the Army and about £1.4 million on the Royal Air Force.

Mr. McNair-Wilson

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his reply, but will he estimate the relative effectiveness of the methods used and in particular the value of recruiting offices?

Mr. Younger

It is difficult in all matters of advertising to be absolutely precise about the effect of any particular expenditure, but we know from all the surveys that we have done that our advertising is extremely effective in what it intends to do, which is to ask young people to come and make inquiries about the possibility of having a Service life. Fortunately, in this our advertising has been very effective.

Mr. Bidwell

Has the Secretary of State's attention been drawn to a picture and a news story in last Sunday's Sunday Mirror showing two young soldiers, presumably under punishment, sweeping gutters in a public highway? Does he think that this kind of behaviour in the Army is conducive to the recruiting policy?

Mr. Younger

That has been drawn to our attention. My right hon. Friend is indeed looking into it.

Mr. Wiggin

Can my hon. Friend say what proportion of the money he has announced to the House is spent on recruiting for the Reserve Forces? Will he bear in mind the constant plea of those who voluntarily give their time, particularly to assisting the TAVR, that money for advertising should be spent on a local and not a national basis?

Mr. Younger

I note my hon. Friend's points. I have a great deal of sympathy with them but I cannot without notice give him any figures for individual advertising for the Reserve Forces. However, from personal experience I know that the general advertising for the Army and other Services brings in recruits for the Reserve Forces as well.

Mr. John Morris

Is the Minister satisfied that we are getting value for the total of £6 million? Is he not concerned with the appalling recruiting figures of recent months? What does he intend to do about it?

Mr. Younger

On the first part of the right hon. and learned Member's question, I would never be complacent about the expenditure of sums of money of this kind. We keep these expenditures under careful and regular review. I am satisfied that this money is spent well and carefully and in a professional manner. As for the recruiting figures, I have nothing to add to my right hon. Friend's answer to a recent Question except to say that the recruiting figures for last year undoubtedly give concern.