§ Mr. KeetchTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many members of the(a) Army, (b) Royal Navy and (c) RAF are pregnant; what rules and regulations govern the treatment and deployments of pregnant service personnel; and if he will make a statement. [56172]
§ Dr. MoonieAs at 1 May. 354 members of the Army, 93 of the Royal Navy and 223 of the Royal Air Force had notified pregnancy or were on maternity leave. The rules governing maternity arrangements for servicewomen in the regular Armed Forces are contained within Defence Council Instructions and other service publications. Upon notification of pregnancy, restrictions may be placed upon a servicewoman's employment to ensure that the services can fulfil their legal obligations and responsibilities for her health and safety and that of her unborn child and to preserve operational effectiveness. For example, aircrew will not be permitted to continue their flying duties once pregnancy is confirmed, servicewomen on operations will be withdrawn, and women serving in ships will be landed at the earliest convenient opportunity.