§ Mr. Wrigglesworthasked the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will explain, pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Thornaby, of 8 February, the criteria which led to 55 per cent. of Army officers being recruited from public schools.
§ Mr. HayhoeAll Army officer candidates are required to show high personal qualities. Selection depends on ability and not on educational background and the same criteria are applied to all applicants.
§ Mr. Wrigglesworthasked the Secretary of State for Defence if, in view of the fact that 55 per cent. of Army officers are recruited from public schools at which only 55 per cent. of children are educated, he will review the policy of recruitment into the Armed Services, with a view to making recruitment at officer level more representative.
§ Mr. HayhoeI have nothing to add to the answer I gave to the hon. Member on 14 February.—[Vol. 978, c. 760.]