§ 23. Jane GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps the Government have taken to improve employment opportunities for women in the armed forces. [36279]
§ 25. Mr. EdwardsTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress the Government have made in improving employment opportunities for women in the armed forces. [36281]
§ 29. Ms Christine RussellTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps the Government have taken to improve employment opportunities for women in the armed forces. [36285]
§ Dr. ReidWe are committed to widest possible employment opportunities for women, consistent with the need to maintain the combat effectiveness of our Armed Forces. Women can already serve in 73 per cent. of Naval Service posts and 96 per cent. of posts in the RAF. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence announced during the Defence Debate on 27 October 1997,Official Report, columns 615–616, that the number of posts open to women in the Army would increase from 47 per cent. to 70 per cent. as of 1 April this year. We are also reviewing the remaining areas of employment currently closed to servicewomen across all three Services to see whether it is possible to extend employment opportunities still further.