Written question asked by Bridget Phillipson (Labour) on Monday, 23 April 2012, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 26 April 2012. It was answered by Lord Robathan (Conservative) on Monday, 30 April 2012 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Armed Forces: Families

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what steps his Department has taken to support armed forces couples with children (a) during deployment and (b) at other times since May 2010;

Answer: [holding answer 26 April 2012]: Welfare support to families is a key contributor to operational effectiveness and is provided to the same level whether they are a service couple or not. However, we will, when circumstances allow, deconflict a deployment in order to maintain a family unit.The armed forces have long-standing welfare structures in place to support families. We continually review that support to identify where it can be further improved, and my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced in his Budget of 21 March 2012, Official Report, column 796, a number of measures to support service families, including the allocation of an additional £2 million to double the rate of the Families Welfare Grant. This is available to commanding officers, to use as they see fit on activities for the families of those deployed.

Secondary information