HL Deb 11 June 2003 vol 649 cc31-2WA
Lord Vivian

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they agree with press reports that morale among the Armed Forces reservists medical personnel is low; and, if so, what action is in hand to prevent resignations within this group. [HL2861]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Bach)

We are very grateful for the contribution our medical reservists have made in the support of military action against Iraq. Senior officers in the Defence Medical Services have met medical personnel returning from the Gulf region to thank them personally for their contribution and, if necessary, explain decisions that have been taken that affect them and listen to any concerns they may have had. Personnel returning from the Gulf have indicated that morale is generally high. Reports from theatre indicate that as future plans have now been clarified, and individuals know their part in them and when they are due to return to the United Kingdom, those remaining on deployment are now generally content.