HC Deb 21 July 1953 vol 518 cc27-8W
99. Mr. Dodds

asked the Secretary of State for War how many National Service men with deaf aids have been taken into the Army since 1st January, 1952, up to the latest convenient date.

Mr. Head

I regret that this information is not available.

104. Mr. Chetwynd

asked the Secretary of State for War how many National Service men have undertaken regular engagements during the past year.

Mr. Head

In the year ending 30th June, 1953, 7,187 National Service men undertook normal Regular engagements in the Army.

105. Mr. C. Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for War if he has now completed his inquiries into the survey conducted by his education department on the subject of backwardness and illiteracy amongst National Service men entering the Army with particular reference to recruits from Welsh-speaking areas; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Head

Yes. The report gave in an appendix the percentages, based on tests set by my Department, of illiterate and semi-literate recruits for various enlistment areas, covering Wales as well as England and Scotland. The report deals with literacy so far as the English language is concerned. Understandably, the figures for Welsh-speaking areas are among the highest. But no comment was made in the report on the figures for Wales. I am, however, discussing this particular problem with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Education.