HC Deb 22 July 1999 vol 335 cc614-5W
Ms Dari Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to ensure the effectiveness of education and training for individuals in his Department. [93152]

Mr. George Robertson

We made clear in the Strategic Defence Review the importance that we attach to education and training for all those who work in the Ministry of Defence, in line with our policy for people and the Government's commitment to lifelong learning and education.

Education and training must be tailored to meet operational and organisation needs and delivered to the right people, at the right time and in the most cost-effective manner.

With this in mind, I am ordering a wide-ranging, fundamental study of education and individual training in my Department. It will commence in September 1999 and is likely to take 18 months to complete. The aim will be to consider how education and training can most effectively meet the Department's requirements for timeliness, quality, value for money, doctrine and operational effectiveness, until at least the year 2010.

This study will involve both the Armed Forces and civilians in the Department. It will seek opportunities for further joint Service education and training and greater synergy between education and training provided for Service and civilian personnel. It will also take into account best commercial practice.

The first phase will be a scoping study lasting approximately 6 months. It will be headed by Mr. David Fisher. This will lead into the main study which will last for approximately 12 months and be headed by Rear Admiral Jonathan Band in the rank of Vice Admiral.

I am placing a copy of the terms of reference for the scoping study in the Library of the House.