HC Deb 20 June 2002 vol 387 cc504-5W
Mr. Jenkins

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the deployment of women into front line positions in the Royal Navy. [63175]

Mr. Ingram

Women have served in the front line in surface ships since 1 September 1990. Women are currently excluded from serving in submarines and as mine clearance divers for medical safety reasons, but this policy is kept under review.

Mr. Jenkins

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the role of women in the Royal Marines. [63174]

Mr. Ingram

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence on 22 May 2002,Official Report, columns 363–64W to my hon. Friend the Member for Warrington, North (Helen Jones). Women may serve in the Royal Marines Band Service and in units operating in support of 3 Commando Brigade. They are, however, excluded from the Royal Marine General Service. The policy will be kept under periodic review.