HC Deb 25 October 1999 vol 336 cc705-6W
Mr. Keetch

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the initiatives that have come directly from the Service Families Task Force; and if he will make a statement. [95523]

Mr. Spellar

The Service Families Task Force works across Government to tackle the problems caused by the mobile lifestyle of Service personnel and their families. It works with other Departments to address problems identified by the Service Families Associations. It has achieved some impressive results. These include: making it easier for Service spouses to claim Jobseeker's Allowance in the UK; the new DfEE Code of Practice on Schools Admission taking account of the particular needs of Service families; Service representation on Schools Admission Forums in areas where there are large populations of Service children; extra money for pre-five education for Service children in Northern Ireland; and 24 schemes in areas with large numbers of Service families to encourage dentists to take on more NHS patients. Work on other issues is continuing.

The Service Families Task Force is an example of the importance the Government attach to the needs of Service families. A full account of our family friendly policies is contained in our leaflet "A Special Message to Service Families From MOD Ministers", a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House.

Mr. Keetch

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the participating bodies on the Service Families Task Force; when the Task Force will next meet; if he will publish the agenda for the next meeting; and if he will make a statement. [95552]

Mr. Spellar

I chair the Service Families Task Force. It brings together Ministers from across Government, including from the Department for Education and Employment, Department of Health, Department of Social Services, Scottish Office, and Northern Ireland Office, and separately, the chairs of the Service Family Associations—the Association of Royal Naval and Royal Marines Families, the Army Families Federation and Airwaves. It operates at three levels: a Ministerial Group; a Families Forum; and a Working Group of officials. The Ministerial Group last met on 21 September 1999 and will meet again in the new year. The Families Forum is due to meet on 15 November 1999, and will discuss a range of issues of interest to Service families. The Working Group meets as necessary to deal with issues as they arise.

The Service Families Task Force works across Government to ensure that the particular circumstances of Service families are taken into account in developing and implementing new policies. It is achieving good results.