§ 27. Mr. Harry GreenwayTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many(a) boys and (b) girls are currently enrolled in school cadet forces; at what cost; and if he will make a statement. [30911]
§ Mr. SoamesThere are currently(a) 33,300 boys and (b) 6,100 girls enrolled in the combined cadet force in schools. My Department's contribution to the cost of the combined cadet forces in 1994–95 was £7.4 million.
In addition, more than 200 units of the sea cadet corps, Army cadet force, and the air training corps meet in local education authority school property.
My colleagues and I are very much aware of the immense benefit that the cadet forces can bring to the education and well-being of the young people of this country. Parents and teachers alike recognise the value that cadet membership can bring to the broad education of young people.