§ Mr. Richardasked the Minister of State for Defence whether the Committee set up to review the Army Cadet Force has submitted its report; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Ian GilmourThe Committee has submitted its report and this has been considered by the Army Board. The report draws attention to the significant proportion of recruits to the Regular Army, particularly junior entrants, who had previously served in the Army Cadet Force, and makes a number of important recommendations.
Included in the recommendations are proposals for the revision of the charter of the Army Cadet Force, a reduction to 13 in the age of full participation in cadet activities, changes in the establishment and rank structure of adults, and increases in the level of grants provided by the Ministry of Defence. All these recommendations have been accepted.
The Committee's recommendations for the introduction of a new working dress for officers, adult instructors and cadets and for the issue of No. 2 Dress to officers and adult instructors have also been accepted. These changes in clothing will also apply to the Army Sections of the Combined Cadet Force. A further recommendation that No. 2 Dress should be issued to certain cadets will be reconsidered in about two years' time.
The Army Board is most grateful to the Committee for its report which provides a sound basis for the future management of the Army Cadet Force.
356WA copy of the report has been placed in the Library of the House.