Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government how the Ministry of Defence is ensuring that its non-confinement policy is (1) not discriminatory to its workforce, and (2) ensures the greatest available pool of talent is available to serve in demanding roles overseas.

Before a posting, Service personnel are informed by the Ministry of Defence if it is to a non-confinement location, where children are not supportable until 6 months of age. Most personnel are willing to follow this advice and return to the UK. If concerns are expressed, however, Defence Primary Healthcare will work with the Chain of Command to offer the best possible solution on an individual basis. This might include an earlier return to a non-confinement location, after consideration of all the relevant factors.