§ Mrs. Ann WintertonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what criteria in respect of (i) numbers of actively attending (ii) personnel and (iii) other factors must be met by(a) the Air Training Corps and (b) the Army Cadet Force in order to qualify for capital grants to maintain and improve facilities. [8086]
§ Mr. SoamesIn order to qualify for capital grants to maintain and improve facilities, cadet force units must be viable, or in the case of new detachments or in certain other cases, be expected to become viable. A viable unit would normally have between 25 and 30 cadets attending, but in rural communities where no other youth activity exists a figure of approximately 12 is acceptable. Each unit must have at least one qualified adult instructor, and must have an adult female on the staff if female cadets are enrolled. The expenditure would be approved only if it would result in the accommodation occupied being suitable for training—with all the necessary facilities,370W such as classrooms, toilets and secure storage—accessible to cadets, and complaint with the requirements of both health and safety and fire prevention regulations.