Parliamentary Question, House of Lords, 23 Jan 06
Thought you guys might be interested to read this topical Parliamentary Question and Answer, from the HoL on Monday.
Armed Forces: Welfare
Lord Garden asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether there is any bar to serving members of the Armed Forces forming an association along the lines of the Police Federation. [HL3245]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Drayson): The Police Federation of England and Wales was established by the Police Act 1919, under which it has a statutory responsibility to represent its members in all matters affecting their welfare and efficiency. There is no similar basis under which members of the Armed Forces could form an association along these lines.
There are however a number of alternative processes in place to ensure members of the Armed Forces can express their views on matters which affect their service or their welfare. There are regular surveys to monitor welfare matters, and it is an integral part of the duty of our chain of command to look after the welfare and well-being of their people. Individuals have the right to complain about any matter relating to their service to the Defence Council. Further modernisation of the complaints process is being proposed, including the introduction of an independent element as part of the Armed Forces Bill.
Make up your own minds!
Regards
Ginseng