§ Mr. CoakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the medical services of the Territorial Army. [98314]
§ Mr. SpellarThe Territorial Army (TA) medical services provide excellent medical care. The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) placed increased importance on the use of medical reserves and recommended an additional 2,000 personnel for the TA medical services. Currently, they have a manning shortfall of some 40 per cent. against the post-SDR requirement. Urgent measures are being taken to address this shortfall, including a major recruiting campaign which was launched on 23 September 1999.
§ Mr. CoakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to reorganise the career structure of the Territorial Army Medical Service. [98315]
§ Mr. SpellarWe have no plans to reorganize the career structure of the Army Medical Services Territorial Army (AMS TA) although its expansion, as a result of the714W Strategic Defence Review, will provide increased career opportunities. The Terms and Conditions of Service of the AMS TA are constantly monitored with a view to making appropriate and reasonable changes in support of recruitment and retention.