§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) whether Scots Guardsmen Fisher and Wright will be deployed for service in Northern Ireland; [141105]
(2) when the Scots Guardsmen Fisher's and Wright's engagement with the Army will cease; and if they will have an opportunity to re-engage. [141106]
§ Mr. SpellarI will write to my hon. Friend and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.
§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what were the exceptional circumstances taken into consideration by the Army Board which enable James Fisher and Mark Wright to remain in the Army. [141015]
§ Dr. MoonieThe decision of the Army Board reflects the view of an employer about the future service of two employees. Queen's Regulations allow for the retention of individuals who have received a custodial sentence where there are exceptional reasons that make retention desirable. The Board gave the fullest possible consideration to all of the relevant circumstances of the case before coming to its decision. This is a confidential matter for the employer, the Army, and the employees. Given the degree of public interest we have been as open as we could be about the Board proceedings and we have confirmed the outcome. To go further than that, and to release the Determination of summary of its contents, which inevitably covers matters personal to the soldiers, would clearly be inappropriate.