§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many training days per year members of the Territorial Army have to serve in order to received their annual bounty. [27651]
§ Mr. SoamesMost members of the Territorial Army are required to complete 15 days camp training and 12 days out-of-camp training to qualify for bounty. Members of specialist units which recruit nationwide, and of certain pools of manpower, must complete 15 days camp training and four days out-of-camp training. A lower training obligation is available, with the consent of the commanding officer, to individuals whose personal or employment circumstances make it difficult for them to meet the full obligation. Special rules apply to the officers training corps and in certain other cases.
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§ Dr. ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much call-out gratuity will be paid to members of the Territorial Army on their return from Bosnia. [27655]
§ Mr. SoamesNo call-out gratuity will be paid to members of the Territorial Army on their return from Bosnia. Call-out gratuity is a lump sum of £345 which is paid on mobilisation to every reservist called out for service in support of operations in Bosnia.
§ Dr. ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many members of the Territorial Army called up for service in Bosnia in 1995 had not completed their annual training quota at the time of the call-up; if those personnel who had not yet completed their annual training quota were eligible for their annual bounty; and if he will make a statement. [27650]
§ Mr. SoamesInformation on the level of training undertaken by each member of the Territorial Army before his or her call out in support of the peace implementation force is not immediately available. However, it is believed that the great majority would have attend annual camp, and that many would also have completed the required out of camp training. Those who had not done so were not eligible for bounty, as is explicitly provided in TA regulations.
§ Dr. ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if service on operational duties for members of the Territorial Army called up for service in Bosnia qualifies in lieu of the annual quota of training days required for an annual bounty; and if he will make a statement. [27652]
§ Mr. SoamesReservists called out for permanent service receive pay at the full regular rate. Under current regulations, such service does not count towards annual bounty, which is earned through attendance at training. however, it has been agreed that members of the Territorial Army may count a period of called-out service in support of the peace implementation force in Bosnia in lieu of annual camp in the current training year or, in certain circumstances, the next one. It will be necessary for individuals to complete the remainder of their annual training before they qualify for bounty. These circumstances are being taken into account as the rules governing the payment of bounty are reviewed in the light of changes to be introduced by the Reserve Forces Bill.
§ Dr. ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if members of the Territorial Army called up for service in Bosnia will be required to relinquish their service kit on completion of their service; what provisions have been made to ensure that they have civilian clothes to change into and travelling bags; and if he will make a statement. [27654]
§ Mr. SoamesMembers of the Territorial Army returning from Bosnia on completion of their period of permanent service will be required, at the demobilisation centre, to hand in all extra items of clothing and equipment issued to them specifically for service in Bosnia. They will retain their standard kit for future use when training with their unit. On mobilisation, reservists were instructed to pack a set of civilian clothes, and they will be available to be worn after demobilisation. All reservists will be permitted to retain their travelling bags in order to carry their belongings home.