§ Mr. Kenneth Bakerasked the Secretary of State for Defence how many surveys of a statistical nature are at present being made, or have been commissioned, by his Department; what subjects are being covered; when the surveys began; and when a report is expected.
§ Mr. HattersleySurveys at present being made, or which have been commissioned by the Ministry of Defence, fall under the following main headings:
- (a) Recruitment. Two surveys are in progress and another one has been commissioned. A typical example is an investigation into the reasons why some of those who inquire about Army officer entry do not pursue the matter further.
- (b) Attitudes of Service men. Eight surveys are in progress, including one to assess the factors affecting re-engagement of Airmen with the aim of predicting how many are likely to extend their service.
- (c) Re-settlement and separation. Four surveys are in progress, including an investigation into the experiences of 10,000 ex-Service men in settling into civilian life.
- (d) Medical. Six surveys are in progress. Some are long-term projects, such as a smoking survey among boy soldiers. Another example
263 is a survey of prematurity and peri-natal mortality in B.A.O.R. covering all births in B.A.O.R. military hospitals. Apart from the medical surveys of a continuing nature, most of the surveys in progress began in 1969 and the final reports are expected within six months.