HC Deb 21 July 1969 vol 787 cc290-1W
Mr. Eldon Griffiths

asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what is his target for recruitment of new Army personnel in the year 1969–70;

(2) what is his target for recruitment of new Royal Air Force personnel in the year 1969–70;

(3) what is his target for recruitment of new naval personnel in the year 1969–70.

Mr. Boyden

As the hon. Member will be aware, recruiting last year was unsatisfactory. To make good our past shortfall and to maintain current recruitment would, in theory, require the following number of recruits—male other ranks, including junior Servicemen—

R.N. and R.M. 7,900
Army 29,900
R.A.F. 10,100
47,900
It would be unrealistic to believe that the position could be restored in 1969–70 to the extent implied by these figures. In practice we shall need to recruit all male other ranks, including junior Servicemen, who may be acceptable.

Mr. Eldon Griffiths

asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how much money was spent during the financial year 1968–69 and how much is planned to be spent in 1969–70 on Press, television and billboard advertising for the purpose of increasing recruitment for the Army;

(2) how much money was spent during the financial year 1968–69, and how much is planned to be spent in 1969–70, on Press, television and billboard advertising for the purpose of increasing recruitment for the Royal Air Force;

(3) how much money was spent during the financial year 1968–69, and how much is planned to be spent in 1969–70, on Press, television and billboard advertising for the purpose of increasing recruitment for the Royal Navy.

Mr. Boyden

The amount spent on Press, television and billboard advertising for 1968–69 for the Royal Navy, the Army and the Royal Air Force is as follows:

Royal Navy Army Royal Air Force
£ £ £
Press 658,350 867,420 664,200
Television — 299,475 320
Billboard Advertising 23,177 68,814 —

The amount planned to spend in 1969–70 is as follows:

Royal Navy Army Royal Air Force
£ £ £
Press 856,350 1,067,200 823,000
Television — 471,350 —
Billboard Advertising — 84,400 —