Written question asked by Andrew Mackinlay (Labour) on Friday, 8 October 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 26 October 1999. It was answered by Lord Spellar (Labour) on Tuesday, 26 October 1999 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will review the policy of allowing armed forces personnel below the age of 18 years to serve in war zones, in peace keeping or other combat roles; and if he will make a statement. - (Holding answer 29 October 1999).

Answer: Mr. Mackinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will review the policy of allowing armed forces personnel below the age of 18 years to serve in war zones, in peacekeeping or other combat roles; and if he will make a statement. [94344] Mr. Spellar: [holding answer 19 October 1999]: The armed forces recruit only volunteers, and those who join under the age of 18 do so only with the written consent of parents and guardians. No personnel are deployed until they are well into their 17th year and only after they have undergone thorough professional training. Our recruitment and deployment policies are in line with international standards set by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the recent International Labour Convention 182 which prohibits the forced or compulsory recruitment of children for use in armed conflict.

Secondary information