TA Combat Medical Technicians

HL Deb 11 October 1999 vol 605 c76WA

Lord Vivian

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Why Territorial Army Combat Medical Technicians are being made redundant; and why they could not be held against other established posts which cannot be recruited. [HL4090]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

As a result of the reforms of the Territorial Army (TA), the establishment of the Army Medical Services is increasing by over 2,000, while at the same time the total establishment of the TA is reducing from some 59,000 to just over 41,000. Even so, the fact that a number of TA units have been disbanded, merged or changed location has led to a number of Combat Medical Technician (CMT) posts being disestablished. Where this has been the case, every effort has been made to ensure that those who wish to and are able to serve are aware of other opportunities within the TA. Overall, with the advent of larger medical units within the TA as a result of the reforms, over 100 additional posts have been created for people whose primary role is as a CMT.