HC Deb 22 February 1977 vol 926 cc1207-8
9. Mr. Grocott

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to reduce expenditure devoted to recruitment to the Armed Forces.

Mr. Wellbeloved

I would not wish to see a cut-back in our recruiting effort which will affect our ability to recruit either in terms of the numbers we require or of the quality we need. Nevertheless, I believe that there is scope for reductions both of single-Service careers information offices in favour of colocation and, as a result, of staff employed. Therefore, expenditure on recruitment is one of the many areas now being examined with a view to achieving the required savings in defence expenditure.

Mr. Grocott

I thank the Minister for that reply. Does he agree that although recruiting problems have eased generally in the last few years the cost of recruitment has increased substantially? Are not many recruiting offices dealing with only a handful of inquiries per week? Is the situation considered to be economic? Whatever our views about defence expenditure levels, do we not all agree that wasteful expenditure should be reduced, and is there not room for such a move in this area?

Mr. Wellbeloved

I am determined to maintain sufficient recruiting facilities to enable the Armed Forces to encourage people to enter the Services and to join an exciting and honourable profession. At the same time, there are areas in the recruiting service in which further economies can be made. We are actively pursuing the matter, and I am by no means satisfied about the present cost of the recruiting campaign.

Sir Frederic Bennett

Do the Minister's remarks in this context apply to the TAVR? I do not need to remind him that in many parts of the country the force is well below the establishment fixed by the Government, and that more rather than less recruitment is needed.

Mr. Wellbeloved

I am sure that my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Defence for the Army heard the hon. Gentleman's remarks. As far as I am concerned, as Minister responsible for across-the-board recruiting I shall endeavour to see that all branches of our Armed Forces are at the required establishment.