§ Sir Richard Glynasked the Secretary of State for War what is the present state of Army recruiting; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GodberThe strength of the Army at the end of June was 170,368 all ranks, representing some 95 per cent. of the target strength of 180,000. It was anticipated that the rate of recruiting would fall in 1963 and, as my predecessor said on the 14th March, 1963, it is more important to get a balanced, flexible Army of high quality, than to try to reach our announced target by any particular month.
Nevertheless, the fall in recruiting has been far greater than was anticipated. Since March recruiting from civil life has been at less than half the 1962 figure, and the build-up of the Army cannot be maintained unless there is an improvement. I cannot regard this as in any way satisfactory.
Among the factors contributing to the decline in recruiting may be an impression that the Army is no longer in urgent need of recruits. This is quite wrong. The Army still wants every suitable applicant.
New steps to encourage recruiting are being taken at the present time.