§ Mrs. Ray MichieTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many redundancies will occur under the "Options for Change" programme; if he will list the ranks and regiments involved; and if he will make a statement with regard to his Department's policy concerning redundancy during active service.
§ Mr. HanleyThe ranks involved in redundancy so far are as follows:
Navy Army Royal Air Force Ordinary Rate Private Corporal Able Rate Lance Corporal Sergeant Leading Rate Corporal Chief Technician Petty Officer Sergeant flight Sergeant Chief Petty Officer Staff Sergeant Warrant Officer Warrant Officer Warrant Officer 1 and 2 Master Aircrew Sub Lieutenant Lieutenant Flying Officer Lieutenant Captain Flight Lieutenant Lieutenant Commander Major Squadron Leader Commander Lieutenant Colonel Wing Commander Captain Colonel Group Captain Brigadier Air Commodore Air Marshal Air Chief Marshal All regiments and corps of the Army, with the exception of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, Royal Irish Regiment —home service part time—and Adjutant General's Corps —military provost staff—were involved in the redundancy programme.
Personnel serving overseas who are selected for redundancy can return to the United Kingdom for their last six months of service to enable them to take their full entitlement of leave and resettlement training.