§ 10. Mr. Dempseyasked the Secretary of State for Defence what progress he has made concerning his study about the wastage of young persons in Her Majesty's Services; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Defence for the Royal Air Force (Mr. Brynmor John)I have nothing to add to the reply I gave my hon. Friend on 24th June 1975.
§ Mr. DempseyWill my hon. Friend accept my thanks for the very courteous letter he sent me in connection with this subject? May I remind him that in general industry all apprenticeships can be terminated at the end of three years? Why should he not consider a similar provision for the Services? Would it not be in everyone's interests for recruits who have lost their enthusiasm to go, as they have an unsettling influence on other young people who are anxious to make a success of a Service career?
§ Mr. JohnMy hon. Friend asked a Question specifically about the wastage of young people. Apprentices form a very small proportion of the total intake of the Services. We are undertaking this study precisely to establish where the wastage is and in what numbers. I hope that we shall complete it as quickly as possible.