HC Deb 05 March 2003 vol 400 cc1040-1W
Mr. Keetch

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the criteria for the Hardship Fund for Reserve Forces take into consideration the financial needs of dependent(a) married and (b) non-married partners; and if he will make a statement. [100824]

Dr. Moonie

Reservists called-out and accepted into permanent service may apply for financial assistance in the event that their military salary is less than their earnings in civilian life. This assistance is paid in the form of a Reserve Standard Award (RSA). RSA is paid in banded rates that are related to a Reservist's rank and specialism. Reservists are also eligible to apply for a Reserve Hardship Award (RHA) if the RSA alone would cause his-her dependants hardship irrespective of their marital status. There is no ceiling for RHA payments.

Patrick Mercer

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what measures exist to ensure that reservists report for duty when ordered to do so. [100218]

Dr. Moonie

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 16 January 2003Official Report, column 708W, to the hon. Member for Hereford (Mr. Keetch).

Patrick Mercer

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many reservists called up in the last three months have failed to report for duty. [100219]

Dr. Moonie

As at 21 February only one reservist is believed to have deliberately failed to report for service. This case is being investigated.

Patrick Mercer

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what restrictions are placed on the deployment of regular reservists beyond the Balkan theatre. [100224]

Dr. Moonie

There are no geographical restrictions on deploying regular reservists.

Patrick Mercer

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps are being taken to retain the services of regular reservists who wish to extend their tours of duty beyond their scheduled de-mobilisation. [100225]

Dr. Moonie

The provisions of the Reserve Forces Act 1996 allow reservists to extend their service. Subject to the needs of the services and their commanding officer's approval, reservists are generally encouraged to apply to extend their service for set periods at a time (usually six months). However, normally there are theatre specific limits to the period a reservist can serve. This is to ensure that no one serves too long in an operational environment.