Written question asked by Gordon Prentice (Labour) on Monday, 29 January 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 2 February 2001. It was answered by Geoffrey Hoon (Labour) on Friday, 2 February 2001 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he expects women to serve as submariners; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects women to serve as submariners; and if he will make a statement. [148171] Mr. Hoon: The current medical advice is to the effect that women should not serve in submarines because no assurance can be given regarding the safety of a foetus due to the presence of contaminants in the submarine atmosphere. The medical advice on this question is kept under regular review and is in the process of being reassessed. Currently, there are no plans to change the policy of excluding women from the submarine service.

Secondary information