Social Class

HC Deb 06 April 1998 vol 310 cc50-1W

33. Mr. Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will investigate the influence of social class on promotion in, and the composition of the armed forces. [36289]

Dr. Reid

The Government are determined that the Armed Forces should be fully representative of all sectors of the community. Armed Forces careers are therefore open to all suitably motivated and qualified young people with the right talents, skills, and determination. The Government are also committed to the principle that all personnel are recruited entirely on their individual merits, and that their subsequent careers, including promotion, are governed entirely by merit in comparison with their peers.