Oral Answers to Questions — Army Manpower

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 23 April 2001.

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Photo of John Spellar John Spellar The Minister of State, Ministry of Defence 12:00, 23 April 2001

The hon. Gentleman is weightier than his arguments. The situation is limited by the ability to recruit. We have had success in that respect, although there have been some retention difficulties. The measures that I outlined just now, and which we have announced previously, have improved matters, but circumstances are extremely difficult, as high employment—we have the lowest unemployment for 25 years—is a major challenge to recruiting. Our people are rising to that challenge, however, and all who meet the standard are being recruited into the armed forces. That is welcome and that effort is being properly funded. If he goes out into the streets of Salisbury to urge more youngsters to join the armed forces, as I hope that he will, they will be recruited and properly funded.