§ Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Defence what are the latest figures available for the cost of recruiting a soldier, sailor and airman; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PattieIn the financial year 1979–80, 50,652 men and women joined the Armed Forces. The total cost of recruiting in the year was £36.28 million. On this basis the average cost per recruit was £716. The figures for the Navy, Army and Air Force were £914, £614 and £857 respectively.
§ Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Defence what progress he has made in reducing the number of prestige recruitment centres for the Armed Forces in town centres; and what steps have been taken to make full use of jobcentres for recruitment purposes; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PattieRecruiting offices are sited where they will be of maximum effectiveness in terms of accessibility to potential recruits, and considerations of prestige do not arise. We do of course make full use of jobcentres in assisting the recruiting effort. We plan to reduce the numbers of recruiting offices as set out in the answer I gave to the right hon. Member for Doncaster (Mr. Walker) on 9 May 1980.—[Vol. 984, c.260.]