§ Ms PerhamTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to alter the current discharge regulations for new recruits joining the Naval Service. [120838]
§ Mr. SpellarWith effect from 1 June 2000, all new recruits, other than re-engagements, will have a statutory right to apply to leave the Naval Service during a six114W month period from date of entry, subject to having completed four weeks' effective service. Recruits will be entitled to be discharged no later than 14 days from the date of submitting notice in writing to their Commanding Officer. Currently, recruits have a period of three to six months, depending on their age at entry, during which they may exercise their right to leave the Service.
Additionally, discharge fees applicable to Royal Navy Ratings and Royal Marine Other Ranks aged 17½ years or over on entry, who take up their right to leave within the six month period, are to be discontinued from 1 June 2000.
The two changes in Terms of Service will harmonise the Naval Service's discharge regulations for new recruits and mean that all new recruits, irrespective of their age on entry, will have an equal right to leave the Service in future.