HC Deb 07 March 1994 vol 239 cc94-5W
Mrs. Helen Jackson

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the process whereby the selection recommendations were made regarding officers and soldiers for the redundancy notices that were sent out on 24 February.

Mr. Hanley

The selection process involved impartial boards made up of experienced officers, who carefully considered the age, skills and experience of individuals who fell within the redundancy categories which were promulgated in August 1993. Where possible, volunteers were selected in preference to non-volunteers. In the third phase of Army redundancies, 85 per cent. of those selected were voluntary.

Mrs. Helen Jackson

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what criteria have been used in selecting the officers for compulsory redundancy.

Mr. Hanley

The primary aim of the Army redundancy programme was to ensure that the Army would retain the proper structure and balance of age, skills and experience necessary for the future. Selections were based on these principles.

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