§ 82. Mr. Ian Harveyasked the Secretary of State for War if he will make a statement with regard to the action that has so far been taken on the recommendations contained in the Report on the Administration of Boys' Units in the Army, Command Paper No. 9433.
§ Mr. F. MacleanMost of the recommendations in the Report have already been put into effect. The system of selecting boys which was changed at the end of last year to improve the standard of entry has already shown satisfactory results, no boys under the age of 15 are now accepted from the United Kingdom and unsatisfactory boys are being discharged in accordance with the Committee's recommendation.
The daily life of the boys in Boys' Units has been greatly altered and generally conforms with the policy outlined in the Report. The balance of subjects taught has also been adjusted and simple technical training and elementary trade training is being introduced into Boys' Units. More attention is being paid to developing qualities of initiative and leadership and instructional staff have attended the Outward Bound schools; 95W some of the methods learnt there are being rapidly introduced into Boys' Units.
The method of selecting officers and non-commissioned officers to serve in Boys' Units has been revised to obtain staff of higher quality and instructors are being kept with the units longer. Better accommodation is being provided and some Boys' Units have already moved. Minor improvements are being made from day to day, but it will inevitably be some time before all can be housed to complete satisfaction. A number of other recommendations in the Report which do not require immediate action have also been adopted.