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Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Nicholas Dakin (Labour). It was answered on Monday, 13 December 2010 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.


Armed Forces Recruitment (Young People)

Question
Some 28% of recruits into the armed forces were aged under 18 in 2008-09. Recruitment to the armed forces carries significant emotional and physical risks to well-being for young people. What steps are the Government taking to mitigate those risks?
Answer

I recently took a passing-out parade at Bassingbourn, and I was struck by how happy all the young recruits under training appeared to be. We take our duty of care very seriously. It is a tough environment, but the recruits are well looked after, and most of the young people I met were desperate to join their units. We do not allow people under 18 to go operational theatre as a matter of policy.


Secondary information

Type
Oral question
Reference
520 c649 
Session
2010-12
Oral question type
1st Supplementary
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
Subjects
Armed forces Young people
Link
View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk