Written question asked by Paul Keetch (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 5 November 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 19 November 2003. It was answered by Ivor Caplin (Labour) on Wednesday, 19 November 2003 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when last questioned, how many (a) RAF, (b) Army and (c) Navy personnel said that overstretch was causing problems in their working; what question was asked; how many responded to each option; what percentage of those asked to respond this represents; and if he will make a statement. - Inc fact that will write and copy will be placed in Library. (Holding answer 13 November 2003).

Answer: Mr. Keetch: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when last questioned, how many (a) RAF, (b) Army and (c) Navy personnel said that overstretch was causing problems in their working; what question was asked; how many responded to each option; what percentage of those asked to respond this represents; and if he will make a statement. [137517] Mr. Caplin: [holding answer 13 November 2003]: All three Services conduct continuous attitude surveys (CASs) of serving personnel to ascertain attitudes towards a range of Service conditions. In the Naval Service CAS there are currently no questions specifically mentioning or using the term `overstretch'. The last survey of Army serving personnel was sent out in December 2002 and the RAF CASs results in July 2003. I intend to write to the hon. Member shortly with the results and a copy will be placed in the Library of the House.

Secondary information