HC Deb 06 July 1955 vol 543 cc110-2W
Mr. Owen

asked the Minister of Defence what facilities are available, in conjunction with the Minister of Education, for Service men either to complete or begin courses in technical colleges or teachers' training colleges.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

Part-time attendance at technical colleges and other institutes is arranged whenever possible in conjunction with local education authorities for men wishing to enter the teaching profession on leaving the Services, but full-time teachers' courses at residential training colleges cannot be completed by men during their service in the Forces. Courses are available for men wishing to satisfy the minimum entrance requirements for both teachers' and technical colleges. Parts of the syllabus of teachers' training colleges, and sometimes the whole of that of technical colleges, can also be studied under Service instructors or by correspondence courses.

Mr. Owen

asked the Minister of Defence the present strength of the Services' education branch at home and abroad; how many Service men, National Service men and Regulars are taking advantage of the available education services; and what are the main subjects of instruction.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

The present strengths of the Services education branches are as follows: R.N., 977; Army, 2,581; R.A.F., 1,225 (excluding personnel under training). Attendance at classes for some categories of Service men, besides boys and apprentices, is compulsory. For example; all soldiers not holding the general certificate of education are normally required to attend classes until they obtain the Army certificate of education (second class); and airmen during the first two years of their service have to attend classes in current affairs and citizenship.

In addition to compulsory education classes, a substantial number of men in all three Services take part in voluntary educational activities covering a wide range of subjects. Practically all Naval personnel attend courses in strictly technical and professional subjects during working hours, and there is virtually no distinction made between the treatment of Regulars and of National Service men.

The principal subjects generally taught are English, mathematics and general knowledge; but a wide range of technical subjects is also covered, according to the requirements of the Services and of individual trainees.