§ 12. Sir T. Beamishasked the Secretary of State for Defence to what causes he attributes the drop in recruiting; and what proposals he has to improve it.
§ Mr. ReynoldsFluctuations in recruitment are caused by a variety of influences. At present boys tend to stay longer at school, and there are the counter attractions of industry and commerce and a reduction in the numbers of young men in the age group from which we recruit. There is also perhaps some misunderstanding of Defence policy and of career prospects in the Services.
1967 1968 August September October August September October Adult males … 937 1,173 1,087 799 967 950 Young soldiers … 246 287 329 243 271 254 Totals … 1,183 1,460 1.416 1,042 1,238 1,204
§ Mr. Youngerasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will give the recruiting figures for each of the last three available months for the Highland
Highland Brigade Lowland Brigade 1967 Adults Young Soldiers Total Adults Young Soldiers Total August … … 20 4 24 14 1 15 September … … 18 5 23 17 7 24 October … … 19 9 28 10 5 15
1968 Scottish Division* Adults Young Soldiers Totals August … … 36 11 47 September … … 27 1 28 October … … 34 10 44 *The Highland and Lowland Brigades became the Scottish Division on 1st July, 1968. Recruiting is now made on a Divisional basis.