Written question asked by James Gray (Conservative) on Tuesday, 18 November 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 20 November 2008. It was answered by Lord Beamish (Labour) on Monday, 24 November 2008 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Armed Forces: Health Services

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent discussions he has had with Help for Heroes on funding for rehabilitation for military casualties from (a) Iraq and (b) Afghanistan.

Answer: The Secretary of State and I have had several recent meetings and discussions with the chief executive of Help for Heroes about the range and quality of rehabilitation support available to our military casualties.We continue to invest in facilities and staff at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, Headley Court, as well as the Regional Rehabilitation Units, to ensure that the treatment provided to military personnel is second to none. When Help for Heroes was established last year, it announced that it intended to raise the necessary funds for a swimming pool at Headley Court. While the unit already has a hydrotherapy pool and several gyms, and the new pool will be welcome enhancement to the excellent facilities that the unit already has. Furthermore, the campaign to raise funds has offered another very real opportunity for the public to demonstrate support for our armed forces. For these reasons we warmly welcome the efforts of Help for Heroes and of the other charities that do so much in support of our servicemen and women.We are now working closely with Help for Heroes on a project to build a new rehabilitation complex at the unit, including a pool and gym. Ministerial discussions with the charity have covered that project and related issues.

Secondary information