§ Sir G. Foxasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the dissatisfaction felt by members of the Army with the arrangements in respect of the Vocational and Educational Training Scheme; and if he will take steps to improve the working of this scheme.
§ Mr. LawsonThe Army Education Scheme is not a vocational training scheme. Instruction under it is mainly general and pre-vocational, though, by agreement with the Ministry of Labour and National Service, a limited amount of training in certain trades may be given where conditions make this practicable. Vocational training is the responsibility of the Ministry of Labour and National Service, which arranges courses for men and women, who fulfil certain specified conditions, after their release from national service. I am not aware of dissatisfaction among members of the Army with the Army Education Scheme. Army Commanders at home and abroad have reported on its popularity and its good effect on morale. The extent to which the Scheme can be carried out by formations and units depends on their operational and other military commitments and is decided by General Officers Commanding-in-Chief. In spite of many difficulties, such as the release of trained instructors and Army Educational Corps personnel, the Scheme is working successfully in those formations and units which are not prevented by military commitments from carrying it out fully. The Formation Colleges, of which there are eight providing a wide variety of courses of a month's duration for over 5,000 students at a time, have received the greatest praise from those who have seen them or taken part in courses at them.