§ 19. Mr. Desmond Swayne (New Forest, West)What recent assessment he has made of the fighting capabilities of female soldiers. [156946]
§ The Secretary of State for Defence (Mr. Geoffrey Hoon)A review of the employment of women in the armed forces is currently in progress. I expect to receive advice on its conclusions later this year.
§ Mr. SwayneWhat steps is the Secretary of State taking to ensure that the criteria against which female soldiers will be measured are not watered down, to the detriment of our operational capabilities?
§ Mr. HoonThe review that is being conducted is extremely thorough. It comprises a wide-ranging review of scientific literature. There is an attitude survey, a field trial looking at team dynamics and assessments from each of the three services, but I emphasise that operational effectiveness will be the deciding question. We will not allow any decision to be taken that in any way compromises the operational effectiveness, the combat effectiveness, of our armed forces.