HC Deb 11 March 1947 vol 434 cc161-2W
106 Mr. C. Smith

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will describe the methods used to ensure that the special aptitudes, experience and educational qualifications of Army recruits are known to the Army authorities; and to ensure that the best possible use is made of all men during their period of service.

Mr. Bellenger

When men are called up they are posted to primary training centres. During primary training, which is normally of six weeks duration, each man undergoes selection procedure with the object of classifying him for training in certain broad types of duties for which he is most suited. This classification is made as a result of a series of tests to ascertain his aptitudes, a study of his civilian qualifications and educational attainments, and an interview by a personnel selection officer. The classification takes the form of training recommendations which cover broadly every type of Army employment, and on completion of primary training a man is transferred to an arm where he can be most suitably employed in accordance with his final training recommendation and the requirements of the Service.