HC Deb 24 July 1951 vol 491 cc34-5W
84. Mr. Donner

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the minimum period of training laid down as necessary for National Service men before they are posted for service in Malaya and/or Korea.

Mr. Strachey

Sixteen weeks.

88. Wing Commander Hulbert

asked the Secretary of State for War what proportion of the average intake of National Service men into the Army accept regular engagements.

Mr. Strachey

In the first six months of 1951 the number of National Service men accepting Regular engagements represented approximately 3.3 per cent. of the number taken into the Army during that period. Corresponding figures for 1950 and 1949 were 1.81 per cent. and 1.35 per cent. respectively.

95. Sir R. Glyn

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider an alteration in the terms of engagement in the Regular Army, based upon the successful alteration introduced by the Air Ministry for encouraging National Service recruits to engage for a further year with improved conditions of pay, etc.

Mr. Strachey

The question of the terms of engagement that can be offered in the Regular Army is under consideration. Since December, 1950, National Service men who possess qualifications fitting them for training in certain trades have been eligible to enlist on a Regular engagement of 3 years with the Colours and 2½ years with the Reserve, and in this case, if the soldier so wishes, allowance is made in the period of engagement for previous whole-time National Service.