HC Deb 24 July 1951 vol 491 cc37-8W
96. Sir R. Glyn

asked the Secretary of of State for War to what extent the numbers of warrant officers and non- commissioned officers leaving the Service at the present time are in excess of what had been anticipated; and whether, in view of the importance of retaining highly-efficient trained cadre. he will make a statement.

Mr. Strachey

Owing to the present retention of Regular soldiers with the Colours, the number of Regular warrant officers and non-commissioned officers leaving the Service at present is virtually restricted to men who have served for 22 years or more with the Colours. The number of these does not vary in any degree from that anticipated.

Since the introduction of new rates of pay in September, 1950, the rate at which soldiers serving on Regular engagements have extended their service to complete 12 years Colour service has multiplied several times, while the rate at which men have been re-engaging to complete 22 years' service has also substantially increased.