HC Deb 27 January 1987 vol 109 cc192-3W
27. Sir David Price

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the current position of recruiting for the armed forces; and in what particular categories recruiting is falling short of expectations.

Mr. Freeman

Recruitment to the services is generally satisfactory with 32,651 men and women joining the armed force in 1985–86. There are shortfalls in officer recruitment and certain other rank specialisation where there is traditionally fierce competition with the civil sector.