HC Deb 23 July 1996 vol 282 cc208-9W
Mrs. Clwyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what guidelines govern the use of armed forces personnel by commercial organisations; and if he will publish them. [38687]

Mr. Soames

Service personnel are permitted to undertake employment during leave or off-duty hours with the approval of their commanding officer. Such approval may be given only if the activity in question does not contravene the relevant regulations which are to be found in Queen's regulations. Authority may be given provided that uniform is not worn, the service is not brought into disrepute and service knowledge is not used for the benefit of business. There are certain categories of employment in which service personnel are not permitted to undertake employment.

The regulations are contained in the Queen's regulations for all the three services, copies of which are held in the Library of the House. Copies are also available from HMSO.