§ Mr. Chris SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what provisions exist at present for the welfare advice and counselling of members of the armed services dismissed as a result of their homosexuality; what plans he has to improve such provision; and what discussions he has held with the organisation Rank Outsiders about this issue.
§ Mr. HanleyService personnel awaiting administrative discharge or dismissal as a result of their homosexuality may continue to avail themselves of the welfare facilities provided for members of the armed forces. My Department has not held any discussions with the organisation Rank Outsiders but wrote early last year in response to two letters from Rank Outsiders.
§ Mr. Chris SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he intends to bring forward proposals for changes to the armed services regulations to enshrine the commitment no longer to prosecute members of the forces on grounds of their homosexuality.
§ Mr. HanleyI refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 1 December,Official Report, column 610.