§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Defence how many Service men who took part in the Falklands operation have since been discharged (a) because their period of service had expired and (b) because they are disabled; if his Department helps with arrangements for their future employment before discharge; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BlakerFourteen RAF officers and men who were involved in the Falklands operation have left the Service in recent months because their periods of service have expired. The figure of RN personnel is being obtained and I will publish it in theOfficial Report when it is available. The figure for Army personnel could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. As yet no one involved in the operation has been medically discharged.
If a member of the Armed Forces is to leave them, for whatever reason, he is given considerable advice and help in smoothing the transition to civilian life. This includes expert advice on job opportunities, and training for civilian employment through the service resettlement centres or Ministry of Defence sponsored courses at polytechnics and colleges of education.