§ Mr. MarlowTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement as to the benefits to service efficiency of cavalry officers in regiments which do not have a ceremonial role being encouraged to ride; what benefits accrue from riding that do not accrue from other adventure training activities; and what is the cost to public funds per hour of(a) riding and (b) other forms of training.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonAll Army personnel are encouraged to participate in a range of both sporting and adventurous training activities. Such activities are complementary to other forms of military training in enhancing and developing the personal qualities and soldierly skills required of Army personnel.
Some £1.25 million per annum is spent on the provision of adventurous training for the Army. Information regarding the cost of riding cannot be provided without disproportionate effort. It would not be practicable to calculate the cost per hour of adventurous training.