Tag: Lord Touhig

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord Touhig on 2015-11-10.

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the relocation of families on staff retention in the Defence Medical Services.

Earl Howe

Based on the results of exit interviews, conducted when an individual leaves the Service, the majority of medical officers who choose to leave are citing stability as a reason.

The Surgeon General is aware of the reasons why medical officers are choosing to leave and is working with the heads of the single Service medical branches to address this.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord Touhig on 2016-06-06.

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what proportion of recruits enlisting under the age of 18 in the past five years had at least one parent who was serving or had served in the armed forces.

Earl Howe

The information is not held in the format requested. Questions regarding details of parental and family links with the Armed Forces are not a mandatory part of the recruiting process and this information is not captured or collated centrally by each Service.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord Touhig on 2015-11-10.

To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether there are any plans to increase the number of military doctors working less than full-time.

Earl Howe

While there are currently no plans to increase the numbers of military doctors, there are plans to provide a limited number of already serving regular medical officers the opportunity to be employed at reduced levels of obligation, for a number of days worked per year for a bounded period of time.

Applicants will shortly be invited to participate in this Flexible Duties Employment Trial, which is due to commence in early 2016.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord Touhig on 2016-07-14.

To ask Her Majesty’s Government, in the light of the proposed 30 per cent reduction in Ministry of Defence civilian staff as set out in the 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review, what assessment they have made of the impact of that reduction on the formulation and delivery of policy.

Earl Howe

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is committed to meeting its obligations set out in the 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review, including the aim to reduce our civilian workforce by 30 per cent. The Chief of Defence People has been appointed Senior Responsible Owner, and work is in hand within the single Services, Joint Forces Command, and other organisations within the MOD to develop detailed plans. As we develop these plans we will continually assess their impact to ensure that the Department continues to have the skills and capabilities required to deliver our Defence outputs, including policy development and management of major programmes.

The Government will respond in due course to the report by the Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord Touhig on 2016-01-12.

To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will review their policy of not offering British passports to former members of the Hong Kong Military Service Corps and the Hong Kong Royal Naval Service.

Lord Bates

We have agreed to undertake a thorough assessment of the request that this group are offered right of abode in the United Kingdom, based on their employment in Hong Kong. This is under consideration.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord Touhig on 2016-07-14.

To ask Her Majesty’s Government, in the light of the proposed 30 per cent reduction in Ministry of Defence civilian staff as set out in the 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review, what assessment they have made of the ability of the Ministry of Defence to deliver major programmes.

Earl Howe

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is committed to meeting its obligations set out in the 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review, including the aim to reduce our civilian workforce by 30 per cent. The Chief of Defence People has been appointed Senior Responsible Owner, and work is in hand within the single Services, Joint Forces Command, and other organisations within the MOD to develop detailed plans. As we develop these plans we will continually assess their impact to ensure that the Department continues to have the skills and capabilities required to deliver our Defence outputs, including policy development and management of major programmes.

The Government will respond in due course to the report by the Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord Touhig on 2016-01-12.

To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the Armed Forces Covenant extends to former members of the Hong Kong Military Service Corps and the Hong Kong Royal Naval Service.

Earl Howe

The Government acknowledges the important contribution made by members of the Hong Kong Military Service Corps and the Hong Kong Royal Naval Service. As a consequence of their Service, members qualify as veterans and, where appropriate, are subject to the provisions set out in the Armed Forces Covenant.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord Touhig on 2016-07-14.

To ask Her Majesty’s Government, in the light of the level of recruitment forecast in the 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review, what assessment they have made of the Armed Forces’ ability to undertake the range of tasks they face.

Earl Howe

The Strategic Defence and Security Review 2015 (SDSR 2015) ensured that investment in capability – including personnel – remained in balance with financial requirements, with a focus on matching capability to policy throughout the Review. To fully deliver future Defence commitments, the SDSR also set out plans for investment in an additional uplift of 400 personnel for the Royal Navy and 300 for the Royal Air Force. This will ensure that the Armed Forces continue to have the capabilities and skills needed to meet global obligations.