Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of enabling fee earning civilian staff in his Department to access the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme when their contractual work with his Department has been reduced for social distancing reasons.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) recognises and values the contribution of fee-earners, such as those who provide adventure training. Following appropriate consultation, we have now published guidance for MOD personnel who engage fee-earners. I have written separately to the hon. Member, in response to his letter to me on this subject, enclosing a copy of this guidance. Although the guidance is extant at the time of writing, it is subject to review and alteration as the current situation develops.