§ Mr. ChurchillTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence from what vote and subhead compensation payments to former service women dismissed on grounds of pregnancy are currently made; how much has been allowed for in the 1994–95 supply estimates; what recourse has been made to the contingencies fund; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. SoamesCompensation payments to former service women dismissed on grounds of pregnancy are made from class 1 vote 1—defence operational and support costs—subhead item J2(2). Within this, provision in the supply estimates for 1994–95 is £25 million. No recourse has been made to the contingencies fund. Some 70 per cent. of these cases have now been settled for an average of about £10,000 each.