HC Deb 22 February 2000 vol 344 cc880-1W
Mr. Jim Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what measures he has in place to increase morale in the armed forces. [110593]

Mr. Spellar

We know that morale on operations, where personnel are doing what they joined up to do, is generally good. Our 'Policy for People' has introduced a series of measures designed to aid morale in the armed forces. We have reduced commitments where possible, thereby easing overstretch. We have made it easier for personnel deployed on operations to keep in touch with their families back home. The Service Families Task Force is addressing problems caused by the mobility of Service families. The 'Learning Forces' initiative is ensuring that personnel have access to modern learning facilities—both at home and when they are on operations. And we have again accepted in full the recommendations of the Pay Review Bodies on pay for the armed forces.