§ Mr. AshleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many service personnel have been invalided out because of injuries in the last 10 years; and how often their welfare is followed up by the armed forces.
§ Mr. FreemanThe information requested is as follows:
Number 1977 280 1978 276 1979 200 1980 168 1981 144 1982 123 1983 166 1984 231 1985 343 1986 297 Note: Figures for 1987 are not yet available.
In all cases of discharge caused by injury the armed forces automatically sets in train procedures laid down in the "After Care Guide" which has been designed as the result of long experience to follow up on the welfare of all ex-service personnel and the widows of those who die in service. I am sending a copy to the right hon. Member.
§ Mr. AshleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many complaints have been received in the last 10 years from wounded service personnel, or ex-service personnel about their treatment.
§ Mr. FreemanI regret that the information requested is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
§ Mr. AshleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence on how many occasions in the last 10 years wounded service personnel have been ordered to wear civilian clothes on ceremonial or public occasions.
§ Mr. FreemanThe information requested is not available.
§ Mr. AshleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence on how many occasions in the last 10 years wounded service personnel, or ex-service wounded personnel have been excluded from ceremonial occasions because of their disabilities.
§ Mr. FreemanWe are not aware of any such occasions and there is no MOD policy to exclude disabled or wounded service or ex-service personnel from such occasions. In respect of ex-service personnel every encouragement is given to them to attend especially through ex-service men's clubs and associations and the Royal British Legion.