HC Deb 11 February 1986 vol 91 c446W
43. Mr. Patrick Thompson

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the operation of the YTS within the armed services.

Mr. Greenway

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on progress with YTS trainees in the armed forces.

Mr. John Lee

My noble Friend the Minister of State for Defence Support has today announced in another place that the armed services YTS is to be expanded from one to two years in line with changes to the civilian YTS.

Since the armed services YTS started in 1983 over 9,000 applications have been received with nearly 2,700 accepted. Total intake stands at over 2,200 with some 750 currently undergoing training. About 860 participants have so far transferred to regular engagements.