HC Deb 19 July 2004 vol 424 cc25-6W
19. Mr. Kidney

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps his Department takes to assist service personnel in coping with the stresses of serving in war zones. [184487]

Mr. Caplin

Preparation for dealing with potentially stressful operational situations forms part of normal training for all Service personnel All Service personnel are given pre and post deployment briefings on dealing with the possibility of post traumatic stress, including guidance on who to consult if they experience problems. Trained mental health staff are also deployed to provide advice to personnel in theatre, supported by both Defence Medical Services and our Welfare Services all of whom play such an extremely important part in supporting our forces both regular and reserve.