HC Deb 07 February 1989 vol 146 c656W
21. Mr. Burns

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he intends deploying women in front-line units of the three services.

142. Mr. Bill Walker

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he intends deploying women in front-line units of the three services.

Mr. Neubert

All three services are examining ways of increasing the range of employment opportunities for women. It remains our policy that women should not be employed in direct combat roles, though they may bear arms for self-defence and the defence of certain establishments.