HC Deb 08 November 1955 vol 545 cc171-2W
72. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for war what percentage of men performing their National Service in the Army were considered illiterate or grossly defective in primary education on entry; what is the percentage of those who have become literate or have reached a reasonable educational level during their term of service; and, what, approximately, is the proportion of National Service men who receive training during their period of service that can enable them to find suitable employment in civil life.

Mr. F. Maclean

Since 1953 under 1 per cent. of National Service men called into the Army have been illiterate. About 20 per cent. have been educationally below average but only a small number of these could be called grossly defective in primary education. The Answers to the last two parts of the hon. Member's Question are not available. Men who are illiterate on entry are, however, encouraged to study during duty and off-duty hours. All National Service men are encouraged to make use of the opportunities which exist for vocational training in a wide range of subjects.

73. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for War approximately what percentage of men called-up for deferred National Service, after their period of apprenticeship or other civil or industrial training has been completed, are enabled to employ the results of their pre-National Service training during their term of service.

Mr. F. Maclean

Up-to-date information is not readily available, but examination of a sample of National Service men who completed their service in September, 1953, produced a figure of 31.9 per cent.