§ 56. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Minister of Defence what additional methods and measures have lately been adopted to increase recruitment to the Armed Forces of the Crown; and with what result.
§ Mr. WatkinsonBoth in the Army and the Royal Air Force improvements are being made in the procedure for handling those who are considering joining and have not yet been attested.
About a year ago I appointed Sir Frederic Hooper as my adviser on recruiting publicity. My right hon. Friends and I have been greatly helped by his advice and are considering further measures that have been proposed.
Experimental television advertising campaigns on behalf of the Army have been carried out in three areas. The results which seem encouraging are now being analysed in detail.
162WA similar television advertising experiment will be carried out on behalf of the R.A.F. in the New Year.
The Recruiting Offices of the three Services are being improved and modernised.
The schools liaison service has been improved and the number of Service personnel engaged on this important work in the Army and R.A.F. has been increased.
The recruiting literature of the three Services has been improved and a new magazine, Officer, which is designed to interest boys in commissioned service, has been published.
§ 59. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Minister of Defence what steps have been lately taken to recruit Commonwealth citizens from overseas to the Armed Forces of the Crown.
§ Mr. WatkinsonMy right hon. Friends and I are making every effort to maximise recruiting for the Armed Forces. We make no distinction between British subjects born here and those born overseas.