§ Mr. GeorgeTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many(a) academic and (b) non-academic (i) part-time and (ii) full-time staff are employed in the defence school of languages. [12819]
§ Mr. SoamesDetails of the staff employed at the defence school of languages are as follows:
Number Military academic Full-time 13 Part-time 0 Military non-academic Full-time 19 Part-time 0 Total 32 Civilian academic Full-time 19 Part-time 1 Civilian non-academic Full-time 32 Part-time 1 Total 52 In addition to the above there are, at present, a further 22 civilian academic staf employed on a casual basis.
§ Mr. GeorgeTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the future of language training within the responsibility of his Department. [12818]
§ Mr. SoamesThe MOD's requirement for language training is regularly reviewed. The defence school of languages is being restructured as part of the defence costs study. This will take effect on 1 April 1996. Changes include the creation of a European language wing teaching French, German, Italian, Spanish and Russian; and the integration of the hitherto single service, individual language training organisations.