§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the work of the Veterans Cell in his Department. [146466]
§ Dr. MoonieThe Ministry of Defence's "Policy for People", outlined in the 1998 Strategic Defence Review, highlighted the Department's commitment to place people at the heart of our plans. The Veterans' Advice Unit was established in October that year as an initiative resulting from this policy. Staffed by one Warrant Officer from each of the 3 Services, the unit provides a helpline where veterans and their dependants can seek guidance on how to obtain expert advice on matters which concern them. The unit has close links with other Government 581W Departments and agencies, as well as with ex-service organisations. It plays an important part in helping us to gauge the views of veterans and to understand the problems they face. Since its foundation, the unit has received over 16,000 inquiries.