HC Deb 11 November 1937 vol 328 cc1881-2W
Mr. Groves

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that 97 per cent. of soldiers serving in His Majesty's Army have to leave after seven years' service, with no guarantee of employment upon entry into civilian life; and whether he will institute a longer period of service with pension attendant thereto or some plan for employment on completion of the present short-term service?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

There is at present no restriction on the numbers of soldiers in the Regular Army who are permitted to extend their Colour service, with a view to subsequent re-engagement to complete 21 years' service for pension. For those who do not extend their Colour service, an improved vocational training

Sir S. Hoare

During the five years from 1909 to 1913 the average number of verdicts of suicide was 3,543 and the average number of cases of attempted suicide known to the police was 2,399. During the five years from 1932 to 1936 the corresponding figures were 5,372 and 3,284. These figures must be considered in connection with increase of population, and especially with the large increase of population in the higher age group. It is amongst people over 45 years of age that a high proportion of suicides and attempted suicides occur, and the population of persons over 45 years of age has increased by 55 per cent, since 1911.

Following is a statement showing the number of suicides per 100,000 of the population in each age group for the years T9 II and 1936:

scheme has been Introduced which I announced in reply to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Harrow (Sir I. Salmon) on 2nd November. This scheme, the aim of which is to make vocational training available to the fullest practicable extent to every eligible man in the British Army, will materally improve the prospects of employment of soldiers leaving the Colours.