§ Mr. KeetchTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many medical discharges there were from each of the three services in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement. [139272]
§ Mr. CaplinThe numbers of medical discharges from the armed forces (both trained and untrained United Kingdom regular personnel) between 1997 and 2002 are as follows:
Medical discharges in the armed forces: 1997–2002 Year Navy Army RAF Total 1997 354 1,067 223 1,644 1998 448 1,060 155 1,663 1999 456 1,100 189 1,745 2000 484 1,024 201 1,709 2001 413 1,004 195 1,612 20021 391 1,008 145 1,544 1 Figures for 2002 have not yet been finalised and may be subject to alteration. Medical discharges in the services reflect the different fitness levels required by each service, and the employment policy of each service. Because of these factors medical discharges should not be taken as absolute indicators of the health status of service personnel. Similarly, because of the different requirements of the three services, inter-service comparisons may not be valid.