HC Deb 05 March 2004 vol 418 c1170W
Mr. Keetch

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many(a) majors and (b) brigadiers are between postings; how long each has been on leave; and if he will make a statement. [156073]

Mr. Ingram

Less than five Regular Army officers in these ranks are between postings on compassionate leave, unpaid leave or awaiting placement. None of the periods between postings have lasted longer than eight months to date.

Due to the low numbers involved this information cannot be broken down by Rank or duration because this could identify individuals and breach disclosure and confidentiality policy

Mr. Keetch

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many senior officers are between postings in the(a) RAF and (b) Royal Navy, broken down by (i) rank and (ii) length of time on leave; and if he will make a statement. [156074]

Mr. Ingram

As at 1 March 2004, there are currently no senior officers in the RAF between postings and on leave.

In the Navy, as at 1 February 2004 there was one Commander between postings who had been waiting for a new post for seven days.