Mr. O'NeillTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will make it his policy to extend the 28-day training period for personnel leaving the services.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonWe are reviewing future resettlement provision. I cannot anticipate the outcome of the review.
Mr. O'NeillTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his reply of 2 July,Official Report, column 136, to the hon. Member for Swindon (Mr. Coombs), if he will provide further details on the nature of the advice and counselling given to those leaving the services.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonPersonnel may seek advice from their units resettlement or education officers at any time during their careers, and there is also provision for more formal interviews during the last 18 months of service. The guidance provided in these ways is intended to inform personnel about the opportunities and problems likely to be encountered in making the transition to civilian life and, more specifically, about the range of resettlement briefings and training options that are available. The briefings are organised on a collective basis at various locations, and cover such matters as applying for a job; specific civilian careers; life in different regions; and other facets of civilian life, such as purchasing a home and managing one's finances. Such briefings last one or two days, and personnel may attend a number of them, in addition to the 28-day training period.