§ Ms. RichardsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what measures he has implemented to ensure that recruitment and promotion policy in his Department does not directly or indirectly discriminate against applicants who were mature students or women returning to work following a career break due to child care.
§ Mr. SainsburyThe MOD, in common with other Government Departments, is an equal opportunities employer. All applicants for recruitment, and candidates for promotion, are considered wholly on their merits and on an equal basis. The instructions and training given to those in the MOD who are responsible for recruitment and promotion specifically cover the need to avoid discrimination, whether direct or indirect, including discrimination in the circumstances referred to in the question.