Written question asked by Bernard Jenkin (Conservative) on Friday, 7 March 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 13 March 2003. It was answered by Lord Moonie (Labour) on Thursday, 13 March 2003 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many reservists called up for duty in connection with Operation Telic have failed to respond to call up papers; and what plans he has for legal proceedings against reservists who have gone absent without leave. - Includes figure and ref to the Reserve Forces Act 1996.

Answer: Mr. Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many reservists called up for duty in connection with Operation Telic have failed to respond to call up papers; and what plans he has for legal proceedings against reservists who have gone absent without leave. [102554] Dr. Moonie: The Reserve Forces Act 1996 (RFA 96) requires reservists who are served with a call-out notice to report for service at a specified time and place. Should a reservist fail to comply with a call-out notice, the Ministry of Defence will attempt to resolve administratively cases where an individual has inadvertently failed to comply with call-out instructions. This includes checking address information and sending a follow-up notice by recorded delivery. However, should it become apparent that the individual has deliberately failed to comply, a formal investigation will take place that may result in the reservist being charged with desertion or absence without leave. Such cases will be reported to the civil police and will be tried in a civil court. As at 10 March only one reservist is believed to have deliberately failed to report for service. There are separate arrangements for conscientious objectors.

Secondary information