§ 17. Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he is making to ease the transition to civilian life of armed forces personnel following the adoption of policies under the "Options for Change" programme.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonThe armed forces already deal with the resettlement of some 12,000 service personnel each year who leave at the end of their normal engagements. Planning is well in hand for the extra resources which will need to be provided for our resettlement services to deal with the additional outflow resulting from redundancy. My right hon. Friend has also established a task force to look at the whole question of housing for service personnel. I hope to say more about these matters during my closing speech in this evening's debate.
§ 28. Sir David PriceTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence in view of the proposed reductions in the size of the British Army, what changes he proposes to make in the scale of public duties in London.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonIt is too early to say whether changes will need to be made. The way in which the Army meets its public duties commitments will be kept under review as detailed plans for the restructuring of the Army are developed.