HC Deb 12 February 2001 vol 363 c52W
39. Barbara Follett

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on women in the armed forces serving in front-line combat roles. [148256]

Mr. Hoon

Women already serve on the front line in ships and aircraft end in combat support roles in the Army. The remaining posts closed to women are mainly in the Royal Marines General Service Cadres, Household Cavalry and Royal Armoured Corps, Infantry and the RAF Regiment. In addition, for health reasons women do not serve in submarines or as clearance divers.

We are considering whether employment options for women in the armed forces can be expanded still further. This work will be completed later this year.