HC Deb 25 November 1954 vol 533 c186W
Mr. Wigg

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of men who entered into three-year Regular Army engagements in the months of November and December, 1951, and January, February and March, 1952; the number who have extended their service; and the number who will be due for transfer to the Army Reserve on the expiration of their three-year engagement, separate figures being given for each month.

Mr. Head

The monthly totals of enlistments for three years with the Colours and four with the Reserve recorded from November, 1951, to March, 1952, were 422, 1,522, 2,771, 4,058 and 4,549, making a total of 13,322. There were 484 prolongations of service from this engagement from December, 1952, to September, 1954, of which 366 were to 12 years or more. If allowance is made for normal wastage, etc., these figures indicate the numbers due for transfer to the Reserve, but nearly all these men have still an opportunity to extend their service, and I hope that many of them will do so.