§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many members of his Department are currently working on the Reserve Forces Bill; and how many of these are lawyers. [17172]
§ Mr. SoamesThe Reserve Forces Bill team in the Ministry of Defence consists of four administrative civil servants—a grade 6, a grade 7, a higher executive officer and an administrative officer; a service officer, currently a commander RN; and a legal adviser grade 6. They are supported by other staff in the legal adviser"s and reserves policy branches, and elsewhere in the Ministry of Defence, when required. In addition, a team of five members of the volunteer reserve forces, who are lawyers in civilian life, have provided valuable advice on a part-time basis as the work has progressed.
§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent representations he has received from employers" organisations regarding the Reserve Forces Bill. [17173]
§ Mr. SoamesMy right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Defence has had correspondence about the proposed Reserve Forces Bill with Sir Alexander Graham GBE, chairman of the National Employers"s Liaison Committee, which is responsible for promoting support of the reserve forces among employers. The NELC will be conducting an advertising campaign in the national press, starting tomorrow, 31 March 1995, to publicise the proposed legislation, and to ask employers to give their reactions and contribute their views.