§ 17. Sir Geoffrey Johnson Smith (Wealden)What plans he has to increase the strength of the Army Cadet Force. [41312]
§ The Minister for the Armed Forces (Dr. John Reid)Ever present, Madam Speaker.
We have no plans to increase the strength of the Army Cadet Force, but the hon. Gentleman will know how much value we place on its good work. As I told him on 8 April, we will consider within the strategic defence review increasing the resources available to it.
§ Sir Geoffrey Johnson SmithI thank the Minister for that reply. He will be aware that scattered across Surrey, Sussex and Kent are some 20 Territorial Army centres. Does he agree that any reduction in the strength of the TA could lead to a severe reduction in the number of TA centres? If so, how will he sustain, let alone improve, the quality and numbers of the cadet forces if the TA centres close?
§ Dr. ReidThe right hon. Gentleman is correct to point out the valuable assistance that the TA gives the armed forces cadets and the Army cadets in particular. It is one of the reasons that we will study the footprint of the TA extremely carefully to take into account geographical and other factors, including the Army cadets themselves. I have made plain our commitment to the Army cadets. I believe that they contribute greatly to our society by giving young men and women character-building opportunities and the chance to develop initiative and leadership. If that were not sufficient, I remind the right hon. Gentleman of the personal interest of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, who was in his day a cadet of some distinction and who is fully behind the protection of the cadets in the defence review.