§ Mr. ToddTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will grant unmarried partners in the armed forces the same rights to parental leave as married couples. [50400]
§ Dr. ReidThe Armed Forces offers maternity leave to which any pregnant servicewoman is entitled, whether married or unmarried, in accordance with the law. As a good employer the Services seek, whenever possible, to grant a serviceman annual leave (or compassionate leave if appropriate) to attend his partner, either during or, immediately after childbirth. Operational commitments may, on occasions, make it impossible for every serviceman to be released from his duties.