HC Deb 24 October 1989 vol 158 cc438-9W
108. Sir Geoffrey Johnson Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the rate of recruitment for the armed forces.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

Total recruitment into the armed forces in 1988–89 was a little above the level achieved in the previous year, though it fell short of the targets set. This year we are taking measures to stimulate recruitment, including greater expenditure on advertising, some changes to entry requirements and the opening up of additional areas of employment to women. In addition a wide range of measures are being taken to improve retention.

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