§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to his answer of 3 June 2003,Official Report, column 303W, on early leavers, what research his Department has commissioned on changes in the number of naval personnel leaving the Service by premature voluntary retirement between 2000–01 and 2001–02; and if he will make a statement. [120321]
§ Mr. CaplinThe increase in the number of premature voluntary retirements in 2001–02 is primarily due to a reduction in the notice period for ratings from 18 to 12 months in that year, and is not the subject of any further specific investigation. However, reducing the outflow of personnel from the Naval Service is a key strategic objective of the Navy Board which is being implemented through a Retention Campaign, including initiatives on terms and conditions of service, rebalancing lives, remuneration and career management.