HC Deb 21 July 1994 vol 247 cc550-1W
Mr. Mackinlay

To ask the Prime Minister when he intends to meet representatives of the Royal British Legion to discuss the implications of the resolution passed by the House of Commons on 1 July that called for the appointment of a Minister for ex-service men and women; and if he will make a statement.

The Prime Minister

I have of course noted the resolution passed on 1 July, but I must draw the hon. Member's attention to the remarks made in the House by my hon. Friend, the Minister of State for the Armed Forces, on 19 July,Official Report, columns 163–64. The services that ex-service men and women require are varied and are the responsibility of more than one Government Department. Ministers from those Departments can and do meet representatives of veterans' organisations, and I am sure that those arrangements will continue. I do not believe that the interests of veterans would be well served by the creation of an additional tier of bureaucracy in the form of a Ministry for Veterans' Affairs.

I have received a request to meet representatives from the Royal British Legion, which I am currently considering.