§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what procedures have been established for those service personnel who wish to appeal against their selection for compulsory redundancy.
§ Mr. HanleyPersonnel selected for compulsory redundancy can appeal against the decision through commanding officers, to specially constituted appeal boards. The appeals procedure is explained in the instructions giving details of proposed redundancies and inviting applications for redundancy. If appeals are rejected, personnel can seek redress of complaint in accordance with provisions laid down in the Service Discipline Acts.
§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the criteria used to select service personnel for compulsory redundancy.
§ Mr. HanleyService personnel have been selected for redundancy in those areas where strengths exceed requirements, taking into account the need to retain a proper balance of age, skills, career structures and levels of experience. Volunteers have been selected wherever possible, but insufficient volunteers in some ranks and specialisations, and the need to maintain career structures, has meant that some compulsory redundancies have been necessary. Over 90 per cent. of those selected for redundancy have been volunteers.