HC Deb 15 October 1952 vol 505 cc25-6W
Mr. Swingler

asked the Secretary of State for War what are his latest estimates of the numbers and proportion of National Service men found to be illiterate or semi-illiterate on joining the Army; and what steps he is taking to deal with the problem.

Mr. Head

Of 121,648 National Service men who joined the Army in the year ending June, 1952, 850, or about 0.7 per cent. were found to be illiterate, although of sufficient mental capacity to be accepted for service. It is hard to estimate the numbers of semi-literates, but of the same intake 24,330, or about 1 in 5, were classified as E.S. 71 or 72, i.e., the next lowest educational category. Special classes for both illiterate and backward men are held in units and in education centres.