HC Deb 16 January 1945 vol 407 cc46-7W
Mr. Manningham-Buller

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is proposed to give assistance to the Army Cadet Force to enable it to acquire suitable premises for carrying on training.

Sir J. Grigg

Yes, Sir. Schemes for providing essential accommodation for the Army Cadet Force are being prepared by County Cadet Committees and financial and other assistance is being given. In particular, it is hoped to make surplus Army huts available.

Mr. Manningham - Buller

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in the plans for the post-war Army, arrangement will be included whereby the training of cadets who have secured certificates of proficency in the Army Cadet Force and who join the Army will be accelerated so as to enable them to receive early promotion or advanced training as specialists.

Sir J. Grigg

I am not now in a position to answer my hon. Friend's Question, but his suggestion will certainly be borne in mind when the appropriate stage is reached in drawing up the plans for the post-war Army.

Mr. Manningham - Buller

asked the Secretary of State for War what arrangements, in view of the stand down of the H.G. and scarcity of Army units in many parts of the country, it is proposed to make in order that the Army Cadet Force may receive the instruction from officers and non-commissioned officers of the Regular Army which is necessary if the cadets are to be of proper value to the Army.

Sir J. Grigg

At the moment a substantial number of officers and permanent staff instructors are necessarily retained for clearing up duties in connection with the Home Guard, and so long as they remain it is intended to use them for assistance to the cadets. When these officers and instructors are withdrawn, I agree that it will be necessary to make some other arrangements for regular assistance for the time being, and this is under consideration, but the numbers of officers and instructors who can be made available must obviously depend on how many can be spared, having regard to other Army requirements at home and abroad.