asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the function served by the Combined Cadet Force.

The Combined Cadet Force is a voluntary part-time force organised in schools which continue education to the age of 18 or above. It is intended to provide the framework of a disciplined organisation, through which young people who wish to join may develop qualities of endurance, self-reliance, leadership and responsibility. It is also designed to encourage those who are interested to take up a career in the Regular or Reserve Forces.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish the evidence to which he has referred as indicating that the Combined Cadet Force performs a useful function.

The evidence consists in the continued strength and vitality of the individual contingents of the Combined Cadet Force, the high regard in which they are held by the schools and the enthusiasm of the members for the various activities of the force. I have already promised to write to the hon. Member on the recruiting aspect.