§ Mr. NellistTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the response to his call up of medical reservists; how many of those who volunteered were accepted and how many compulsory call out notices were issued; how many reservists compulsorily called up did not respond and what action is being taken against them; what are the skills of those who have volunteered or been called up; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonI am pleased to be able to report that the call-out of medical reservists was successful and that the requirement was met in full. In the case of the Army, 894 vacancies were filled by volunteers. Compulsory call-out notices were sent to a further 408 medical personnel, and 126 personnel were compulsorily called out.
A total of 94 Army reservists failed to respond to the call-out notice. We are still investigating the reasons. Some will have been ill or out of the country. However, we cannot rule out the possibility that legal action may be brought against the few who cannot provide an adequate explanation of their failure to attend.
The Army reservists are medical specialists with a variety of skills, including surgeons, doctors, anaesthetists, dentists, nurses, physiotherapists and medical technicians.
Turning to the RAF, I am also pleased to say that the compulsory call-out of No. 4626 aeromedical evacuation squadron of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force was successful. Call-out notices were issued to all squadron personnel who all responded and made themselves available at their unit. The squadron comprises doctors, nurses, medical assistants and support staff.