HC Deb 02 December 1980 vol 995 c112W
30. Mr. Chapman

asked the Secretary of State for defence if he will make a statement on the latest recruitment figures of the Armed Services.

Mr. Pattie

Recruitment continues to go well. In the last quarter (July-September 1980) 19,445 men and women entered the Armed Forces. This figure is 17 per cent. higher than for the same period last year, and is the highest quarterly figure since the ending of National Service in 1960.

However, there are still shortages in certain important categories where we are failing to attract sufficient recruits; this applies particularly to officers. Further detailed information is contained in the quarterly Ministry of Defence press release, issued on 18 November, copies of which are available in the Library of the House.