§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list by name, rank and service the former serving officers of the armed forces who(a) have applied under the business appointments procedure and (b) have had their application refused. [5323]
§ Mr. SoamesDuring the last two years, the following applications under the business appointments procedure were made by officers who had retired from the armed forces:
Number Admiral of the Fleet 3 Vice Admiral 2 Rear Admiral 9 Captain 3 Commander 3 Lieutenant Commander 8 Major General 20 Brigadier 2 Colonel 4 Lieutenant Colonel 4 Major 1 Captain 1 Marshal of the RAF 1 Air Chief Marshal 1 Air Marshal 4 Air Vice-Marshal 2 Air Commodore 1 Group Captain 3 Wing Commander 2 Squadron Leader 6 None of the applications was refused: restrictions were imposed on nine applications. It is not our practice to disclose the names of the officers concerned.
§ Dr. ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 24 November,Official Report, column 349, how the business appointments policy for former serving officers of the armed services is enforced; and what sanctions may be imposed. [5322]
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§ Mr. SoamesBusiness appointment applications are approved unconditionally or subject to a waiting period of up to two years from the applicant's last day in Crown service, or to a condition banning the applicant from involvement in a particular project or area of work for up to two years. Where a condition is imposed, both the applicant and prospective employer are informed in writing of the nature of the condition.