Written question asked by Harry Cohen (Labour) on Wednesday, 17 January 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 24 January 2001. It was answered by Lord Moonie (Labour) on Wednesday, 24 January 2001 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make a statement on the work of the Veterans Cell in his Department. - Including figures and ref to Policy for People.

Answer: Mr. Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the work of the Veterans Cell in his Department. [146466] Dr. Moonie: The Ministry of Defence's "Policy for People", outlined in the 1998 Strategic Defence Review, highlighted the Department's commitment to place people at the heart of our plans. The Veterans' Advice Unit was established in October that year as an initiative resulting from this policy. Staffed by one Warrant Officer from each of the 3 Services, the unit provides a helpline where veterans and their dependants can seek guidance on how to obtain expert advice on matters which concern them. The unit has close links with other Government Departments and agencies, as well as with ex-service organisations. It plays an important part in helping us to gauge the views of veterans and to understand the problems they face. Since its foundation, the unit has received over 16,000 inquiries.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 146466; 361 c578-9W;361 c580-1W
Session: 2000-01
Subjects: Advisory services Telephone services Veterans Advice Unit Veterans
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk