§ 11. Ms Christine RussellTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps the Government are taking to expand employment opportunities for women in the Army. [31413]
§ Mr. George RobertsonThe Government are committed to maximising career opportunities for women in the Army, consistent with the need to maintain combat effectiveness. On 27 October I announced that, from 1 April this year, the number of Regular Army posts open to women will increase from 47‥ to 70‥. I have also commissioned a review to look at how opportunities for women across the Armed Forces can be expanded still further.