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Ministry of Defence

Answer

Mrs Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on (a) the role and (b) the contribution made by the air training corps, sea cadet force on Merseyside (i) the individual cadets and (ii) the serving community. [118410] Dr. Moonie: The Air Training Corps' (ATC's) role as a national youth organisation is to encourage a practical interest in aviation and the RAF and also to develop the personal qualities of its members. The Sea Cadet Corps (SCC) is an independent charitable body that provides an opportunity for youths to learn seamanship skills and to develop their personal qualities also. Both organisations foster the spirit of adventure and develop qualities of leadership, encouraging a sense of community and good citizenship that is highly valued by both military and civilian employers. They also encourage membership of schemes such as the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, which provides practical, cultural and adventurous activities, including an emphasis on helping others in the local community. The ATC and the SCC support their local community through such contributions as Remembrance Sunday parades and providing guards of honour and marking bands for mayoral and civic events. A significant emphasis is also placed on raising money for charity, with local causes such as Claire House Children's Hospice receiving fund-raising through sponsorship. The cadets themselves carry out all these community activities. However, there are also occasional joint ventures with the serving military community, such as the support provided at the Southport Air Show and the recent 60th anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

118410; 406 c1109-10W;406 c1111-2W

Session

2002-03

Subjects

Community development Merseyside Young people Air training corps Sea Cadet Corps Personal development

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk