Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Ministry of Defence

Oral Answers to Questions

Angus Robertson Excerpts
Monday 26th March 2012

(12 years, 1 month ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lord Hammond of Runnymede Portrait Mr Philip Hammond
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My hon. Friend is absolutely right: uncertainty saps morale. That is why the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force have completed the announcements of redundancies required. Because of the rebasing, the drawdown from Afghanistan and the return from Germany, it has not been possible for the Army to complete that process, but we will make announcements as soon as we can to provide as much certainty as possible.

Angus Robertson Portrait Angus Robertson (Moray) (SNP)
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The treatment of veterans, including those in ongoing conflicts, such as Afghanistan, is a key part of the military covenant. To that end the Westminster Government repeatedly send Ministers and Members of Parliament to understand circumstances there to inform decision-making on the treatment of veterans in medical policy and support provision. Given that veterans issues are largely devolved in Scotland, why has the MOD refused to arrange a visit to service personnel in Afghanistan for Scottish veterans affairs Minister, Keith Brown?

Lord Robathan Portrait Mr Robathan
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I understood that that was a question about a visit for a Minister from Scotland. I am afraid we do not arrange visits for Ministers from Scotland unless we are asked specifically in writing.