HC Deb 13 January 1993 vol 216 cc761-2W
Dr. David Clark

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what consideration the "Options for Change" programme gave to the requirements for the involvement of British forces in UN operations; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

The Government's plans for force restructuring recognised that new peacetime commitments, including United Nations operations, could arise in the changed strategic setting. These plans place increased emphasis on the flexibility and mobility required of forces undertaking such operations, as does NATO's new strategic concept.

20. Dr. David Clark

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 15 December,Official Report, columns 131–32, from which (a) employment, (b) environmental and (c) health and safety legislation his Ministry is exempt from.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

The Ministry of Defence is part of the Crown. It is a well established rule that the Crown is not bound by a statute unless this is specifically stated, or it is clear that the Crown is to be bound by implication. To list all legislation affecting employment, environment and health and safety matters which does not apply to the Crown would therefore involve disproportionate effort and cost.

As set out in the citizens charter, it is now Government policy to take legislative opportunities to apply such regulatory standards to the Crown. Even in circumstances where the Crown is not bound by legislation it is Government policy that it should comply as though requirements apply to it, wherever this is appropriate and practicable.

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