§ 4. Mr. Bob Russell (Colchester)If he will increase the level of funding for cadet forces. [90201]
§ The Minister for the Armed Forces (Mr. Doug Henderson)The Government are fully committed to the cadet forces. As I have already announced, we are increasing our expenditure on the cadet forces by £3 million over the next four financial years. Up to £12 million is also being made available to provide necessary alternative accommodation for those units affected by Territorial Army restructuring.
§ Mr. RussellDoes the Minister accept that there has been a steady decline in the number of cadets in recent years? Does he accept that in real-terms funding, £3 million over four years is not a lot? Does he agree that the cadet movement is a recruiting ground for the armed forces? As recruitment is not currently hitting the required targets, does he agree that more investment in our cadets would mean more people entering our armed forces, as well as dovetailing with the policies of the Secretary of State for Education and Employment on the new deal and on wider education, and with the Home Secretary's policies on tackling youth crime, as it would provide young people with more productive ways to occupy their time?
§ Mr. HendersonI am glad to hear the hon. Gentleman identify exactly the position reached by the Government in the strategic defence review. We recognise the historic importance of the cadets, the value of continuing their activities and recruitment, and the need to add extra money to the cadet budget so that the service may develop for the good of both the community and the armed forces.
§ Mr. James Gray (North Wiltshire)The Minister seems content to believe that the closure of 87 Territorial 776 Army centres across Britain will have no effect on the cadet force. On 31 March 1998, there were 124,752 cadets in the UK. How many are there today?
§ Mr. HendersonI will be happy to look at the precise figures. I again assure the House that, when the Territorial Army restructuring was introduced—that exercise was widely welcomed and has been a success—an absolute guarantee was given that the same level of provision for cadets would be available after the restructuring as before it.