Written question asked by Lady Hermon (Ulster Unionist Party) on Wednesday, 10 March 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 17 March 2004. It was answered by Ivor Caplin (Labour) on Wednesday, 17 March 2004 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many service personnel serving on operations abroad had their rest and recuperation period reduced as a result of military transport difficulties in each of the past 12 months; what efforts are being made to ensure service personnel receive their full rest and recuperation entitlement; and if he will make a statement. - Not held centrally and disproportionate cost.

Answer: Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many service personnel serving on operations abroad had their rest and recuperation period reduced as a result of military transport difficulties in each of the past 12 months; what efforts are being made to ensure service personnel receive their full rest and recuperation entitlement; and if he will make a statement. [161480] Mr. Caplin: The information requested is not held centrally and could only be provided at disproportionate cost. Rest and recuperation periods for service personnel serving on operations abroad are not an entitlement, personnel are only released if the operational situation allows. Every effort is taken to ensure service personnel rest and recuperation periods are maximised within the allowances of the regulations and mitigating action is taken where possible if periods are excessively disrupted.

Secondary information