§ Dr. KumarTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans there are to alter insurance provision for serving members of the armed forces when the existing PAX and RPAX insurance schemes expire. [104675]
§ Dr. MoonieRevised PAX and RPAX schemes will operate from 1 July 2003. The Ministry of Defence is currently negotiating benefits and premiums with commercial providers.
While every effort is being made to achieve best value for money, replicating existing benefits is unlikely in the current insurance climate. Some combination of increased premiums and decreased benefits appears likely. Changes will apply to all scheme members, both new and existing. Details of the new schemes will be promulgated to all Service personnel (Regulars and Reservists) once they are available. Existing PAX and RPAX members will automatically migrate to the new schemes.
§ Dr. KumarTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations have been made to him about the operation of the(a) PAX and (b) RPAX insurance schemes; and what plans he has to augment these schemes for reservists being called up during the current crisis. [104674]
§ Dr. MooniePAX provides Personal Accident and Life cover for Regulars and RPAX for Reservists. No representations have been made to the Secretary of State for Defence about the operation of these schemes. There are no plans to augment arrangements for Reservists provided under RPAX.