HC Deb 10 May 1994 vol 243 cc144-5
7. Brandreth

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to review the Army chaplaincy service; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Hanley

Chaplaincy services are being examined along with many other areas as part of the defence costs study, announcements on the broad outcome of which we hope to make in July.

Mr. Brandreth

Will my hon. Friend confirm that the Army chaplaincy service forms an integral part of the Army? Will he use this opportunity to pay tribute to the 190 Army chaplains for their work, not only at a spiritual level but at a pastoral level as well? They are among the unsung heroes of the Army: we need them and we should salute them.

Mr. Hanley

I willingly pay tribute to the chaplaincy service. Chaplains play an important role in fostering the mental health of soldiers, particularly in circumstances in which soldiers are under stress or likely to come under stress at short notice. In addition to their spiritual role, the chaplains provide a valuable welfare role to service men and their families. I should also tell my hon. Friend that there are not only heroes, but heroines as well.

Mr. Hardy

In view of his reply to his hon. Friend the Member for City of Chester (Mr. Brandreth), will the Minister assure the House that the chaplaincy service will be neither contractorised nor privatised?

Mr. Hanley

I have a sneaking suspicion that we shall not be market testing the chaplaincy service.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

Will my hon. Friend consider bringing together the chaplaincy services in all the armed forces? If that happens, are they likely to come to Eltham palace?

Mr. Hanley

I am sure that my hon. Friend would expect me not to make any statements at this stage, but to wait for the announcement following the defence costs study.