§ Mr. Coombsasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the Welsh counties in order of percentage growth in electorate since 1981; and what has been the percentage growth and actual figures in each case.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsInformation on the changes up to 1986 is given in the following table. Figures of the 1987 electorate will be available centrally in April.
of course, part of the day-to-day management function at all levels within the armed forces, both as a good employer and because it is an integral element in ensuring their continued efficiency and effectiveness.
The armed forces continually seek to improve such arrangements, and various mechanisms exist to ensure that current systems are functioning satisfactorily. Senior management concerned with welfare matters visit units on a regular basis to keep up to date with local concerns and take action accordingly. For example, the RAF personnel liaison teams, formed in 1967, are tasked to visit all RAF units once every two years and represent welfare issues that arise from service men and their wives to the appropriate service authority. Other issues are brought to the attention of service managers through the operation of existing welfare organisations such as the naval personal and family service, introduced in 1977, and voluntary organisations such as the service benevolent funds and SSAFA.
Particular studies are also instituted where necessary. For example, recent work has been carried out by the Army and Navy into the attitudes of the wives of service men, giving them the opportunity of expressing their views on a wide range of issues. Only last year a review of welfare within the RAF at station and unit level concluded that existing arrangements for its personnel and their families were generally very satisfactory.
The armed forces will continue to respond flexibly to the welfare needs of their personnel and families, ensuring that existing arrangements, including consultation, remain effective and making improvements as appropriate.