§ Mr. Harry GreenwayTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many branches of the Combined Cadet Force are currently functioning in(a) maintained and (b) independent schools; what numbers of pupils are involved in each case and at what annual cost; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanThere are currently 254 detachments of the CCF, of which 58 are in maintained schools, with 6,579 pupils. There are 196 detachments in independent schools, with 38,158 pupils. I regret that it is not possible to provide a cost breakdown between the two categories. Additionally, there are 143 detachments of the ACF in schools, with 4,016 cadets; over one third of these are "closed" detachments limited to pupils of the school.
The CCF is part of the national youth movement and provides a great many young people with the opportunities to develop qualities of good citizenship and the spirit of service. The Government are very conscious of their value and will continue to encourage their well-being.