Oral Answers to Questions — British Army – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 19 February 1952.
asked the Secretary of State for War what is the extent of the shortage in the Army of tradesmen and potential tradesmen; and what action he is taking to remedy this situation.
I am well aware that there are not enough tradesmen, especially those capable of filling the senior non-commissioned appointments and of reaching the highest degree of trade skill. It is hoped that certain changes in the terms of service, already made or shortly to be announced, will help in this problem and we are considering further steps to increase the number of Army apprentices. This is a serious and difficult problem in which all three Services are competing with industry, and I shall continue to give it close attention.
I have no doubt that my right hon. Friend the Minister of Education has heard the remarks of the hon. Member and will take note of them.
In taking steps to remedy this deficiency, will the right hon. Gentleman kindly see that no building operatives are taken away from the housing programme, because otherwise that 300,000 housing programme will fall further behind.