§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what guidelines apply to the payment of members of the armed forces who are on unauthorised absence from service; how many such absences there have been in each year since 1990–91; how much pay has been received by individuals while on unauthorised absence; and if he will make a statement. [7165]
§ Mr. SoamesWhen a member of the armed forces absents him or herself without authority, action is taken to stop pay, including increments and additional pay, from day one of the absence. On recovery from absence, disciplinary action is usually taken and, if the case against the individual is proven, pay for the entire period of absence is forfeited; it follows that no pay is received by individuals while on unauthorised absence. Details of the numbers of such absences there have been in each year since 1990 are currently being collated and I will write to the hon. Member with this information.