Armed Forces: Cadets

Bill Wiggin
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how much funding is required for cadet instructors to resume training;

(2) what remuneration cadet instructors will receive in 2009-10; and from what budget such remuneration will be drawn.

Mr. Kevan Jones
We fully recognise the contribution that the cadets make to the long-term future of the Army and to society in general. But tough choices have to be made. Our focus is on Afghanistan and the cadets do not contribute directly to that main effort. We have therefore taken the very difficult decision to reduce the amount of money available to the Army Cadet Force for the remainder of the year. This means that instructors will receive no further payments for weekend Cadet training, although we will continue to meet enabling costs such as travel where we can. We will also continue to provide training courses at the Cadet Training Centre and at Brigade level for adult instructors, as it is essential that we maintain that core of skill and expertise. Instructors are not paid for evening training activity, so this is continuing as normal. The reduction in activity is saving a total of £4 million. By the end of 2009-10 Army cadet instructors will have received some £13 million from the Army budget.

We acknowledge the huge level of commitment and enthusiasm within the Army Cadet Force, and among the volunteer adult instructors in particular.