§ Mr. John Browneasked the Secretary of State for Defence when the armed services youth training scheme will come into effect; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StanleyThe necessary statutory instruments to enable the armed forces to contribute to the youth training scheme have been laid before Parliament today. Subject to parliamentary approval, the armed services youth training scheme will come into effect on 4 August. In a full year the scheme will enable up to 5,200 young men and women between the ages of 16 and 18 to join the Royal Navy, Army or Royal Air Force for one year's training. Recruits will be free to leave at any time on 14 days' written notice. Recruits will also be eligible to apply for a regular engagement in the Service in which they are doing their training.
Young people wishing to take part in the ASYTS should visit or write to any local services careers information office.
As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State indicated in his statement on 14 April— [Vol. 40, c. 952] there will be a limited number of ASYTS places available for women in the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, but the Army's training capacity for women is at present fully taken up in meeting its existing needs.
I am confident that the ASYTS will make a valuable contribution to providing beneficial training and work experience for young people in the three Services and will help them obtain permanent employment subsequently in civilian occupations or in the armed forces themselves.