Overseas Service (Training)

17.

Mr. Swingler
asked the Secretary of State for War what are now the minimum periods of training and service which a soldier must have completed before embarkation to the British Army of the Rhine, the Middle East and the Far East, respectively.

Mr. Shinwell
Before embarkation for B.A.O.R. a soldier must have completed the period of basic training appropriate for his arm and trade, for the Middle East 10 weeks' training and a total of 12 weeks' service, for the Far East 16 weeks' training, and a total of 18 weeks' service.

Mr. Swingler
Will the Minister say since when these limits have been enforced and whether they are now strictly enforced?

Mr. Shinwell
They have been enforced and strictly enforced within the last two or three weeks.