§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office what percentage of men who join His Majesty's Army are allowed to engage for pension; and what percentage of that percentage actually re-engage and obtain a pension?
§ Commodore KINGSoldiers are normally enlisted for 12 years, of which generally only six or seven are with the Colours and the remainder with the Reserve. The numbers to whom the privilege of extending their colour service to 12 years is granted are regulated by Service requirements, as for example, the need to build up adequate 1579W reserves, and consequently the percentage varies from time to time and with the different arms of the Service. Soldiers who have been permitted to extend their colour service to 12 years are generally speaking allowed to re-engage to complete 21 years service for pension, and it is estimated that 75 per cent. of those eligible do in fact re-engage. The hon. Member will find much statistical information about extensions and re-engagements in Part V of the General Annual Report on the British Army.