§ Mr. Paul MarsdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the recruitment campaign for the Royal Army Medical Corps; and if he will make a statement. [100722]
§ Mr. SpellarThe Royal Army Medical Corps undertakes recruiting on a continuous basis, utilising a wide variety of media and the Army Recruiting network. Recruitment into training is good, but it is more difficult to attract already qualified medical personnel. The tri-Service campaign in February and March 1999 aimed at the direct recruitment of qualified personnel has resulted, to date, in one doctor and four nurses entering the Army, with a further six nurses in the recruitment process. Additionally, a major recruiting campaign for the Territorial Army Medical Services was launched in September 1999. It is too early to predict the success of this campaign but early responses seem promising.