§ 68. Sir R. Robinsonasked the Minister of Defence whether he is aware that a system has been successfully employed at the Indian National Defence Academy at Poona whereby cadets from all three Services study and mess together; and whether, in the interests of understanding 139W between the three Services, he will consider instituting a similar system in this country.
Mr. WardI have been asked to reply.
I understand that cadets of all three Services in India attend the National Defence Academy from 16 to 18 for a general education. Their subsequent Service training however is in separate colleges. My hon. Friend's suggestion has been recently examined again and I am satisfied that the very heavy cost of such a change would not be justified. Understanding between the Services is aided at various stages in an officer's career by numerous joint Service staff and specialist courses.