My Lords, many fair-minded people in this House and outside are completely perplexed by the Government’s response in this respect. We do not seem to be treating our interpreters fairly, and many of us feel that the Government have taken a strange decision. Can the Minister explain in words of one syllable why we are not treating our interpreters in Afghanistan in the way that our colleague countries are doing, and as we did in Iraq?

My Lords, many fair-minded people in this House and outside are completely perplexed by the Government’s response in this respect. We do not seem to be treating our interpreters fairly, and many of us feel that the Government have taken a strange decision. Can the Minister explain in words of one syllable why we are not treating our interpreters in Afghanistan in the way that our colleague countries are doing, and as we did in Iraq?

How many compulsory redundancies there have been in each of the three services in each of the last seven years. - Inc table.

How many compulsory redundancies there have been in each of the three services in each of the last seven years. - Inc table.

Pursuant to his Answer of 20th February, Official Report, column 719, how many people were made redundant as a result of the decision to close the junior leader and apprentice training site at Harrogate; what was the total cost of redundancy payments. - (Holding answer 28 February 1997).

Pursuant to his Answer of 20th February, Official Report, column 719, how many people were made redundant as a result of the decision to close the junior leader and apprentice training site at Harrogate; what was the total cost of redundancy payments. - (Holding answer 28 February 1997).

Pursuant to his Answer of 16th January, Official Report, column 311W, how many Royal Navy Harrier pilots have applied for premature volunteer release in each of the last 12 months; how many were turned down in each month; and for what reasons. - There have been no applications for premature...

Pursuant to his Answer of 16th January, Official Report, column 311W, how many Royal Navy Harrier pilots have applied for premature volunteer release in each of the last 12 months; how many were turned down in each month; and for what reasons. - There have been no applications for premature...

(Pursuant to reply at 288 c553W) Further information on the costs incurred by his Department as a result of redundancies in each of the three services in each of the last six years. - Inc table.

(Pursuant to reply at 288 c553W) Further information on the costs incurred by his Department as a result of redundancies in each of the three services in each of the last six years. - Inc table.

If he will list the costs incurred by his Department as a result of redundancies in each of the three services in each of the last six years. (Further information at 289 c31W). - Includes figures.

If he will list the costs incurred by his Department as a result of redundancies in each of the three services in each of the last six years. (Further information at 289 c31W). - Includes figures.

How many Harrier pilots have applied for premature volunteer redundancy in each of the last 12 months; how many of these were turned down in each month and for what reason; and if he will make a statement.

How many Harrier pilots have applied for premature volunteer redundancy in each of the last 12 months; how many of these were turned down in each month and for what reason; and if he will make a statement.

If he will list the costs incurred by his Department as a result of redundancies in each of the three services in each of the last five years. - Inc figs.

If he will list the costs incurred by his Department as a result of redundancies in each of the three services in each of the last five years. - Inc figs.

How many redundancies there have been in the MoD Police in each of the last five years.

How many redundancies there have been in the MoD Police in each of the last five years.

What was the cost of early retirement and redundancy packages for armed forces personnel for each of the last 10 years. - Includes figures.

What was the cost of early retirement and redundancy packages for armed forces personnel for each of the last 10 years. - Includes figures.

What measures his Department takes to changes to the size of the defence industry; and how many job losses have been recorded by his Department since July 1990. - Includes figure.

What measures his Department takes to changes to the size of the defence industry; and how many job losses have been recorded by his Department since July 1990. - Includes figure.

What review is being conducted into the strength of the Royal Marines; what is the target level for the future strength of the Royal Marines; and how many redundancies will be required from current levels. - No figs given.

What review is being conducted into the strength of the Royal Marines; what is the target level for the future strength of the Royal Marines; and how many redundancies will be required from current levels. - No figs given.

What plans he has for further redundancies among senior Army officers. - Inc ref to 251 c869-70W.

What plans he has for further redundancies among senior Army officers. - Inc ref to 251 c869-70W.

How many officers of brigadier rank and above have chosen redundancy in each of the past five years. - Inc table. (Not in daily part).

How many officers of brigadier rank and above have chosen redundancy in each of the past five years. - Inc table. (Not in daily part).

How many service personnel (a) successfully and (b) unsuccessfully applied for redundancy in each of the last three years. - Figures given. (Holding answer 12 May 1994).

How many service personnel (a) successfully and (b) unsuccessfully applied for redundancy in each of the last three years. - Figures given. (Holding answer 12 May 1994).

What procedures have been established for those service personnel who wish to appeal against their selection for compulsory redundancy.

What procedures have been established for those service personnel who wish to appeal against their selection for compulsory redundancy.

If he will list the criteria used to select service personnel for compulsory redundancy.

If he will list the criteria used to select service personnel for compulsory redundancy.

Pursuant to 238 c217W, if he will now list the current locations of all those Army personnel who have been selected for redundancies. - Table given.

Pursuant to 238 c217W, if he will now list the current locations of all those Army personnel who have been selected for redundancies. - Table given.

Defence Industrial Base. Twelfth Opposition day debate (second part). Motion negatived on division (263 to 304). Amendment agreed to on question.

Defence Industrial Base. Twelfth Opposition day debate (second part). Motion negatived on division (263 to 304). Amendment agreed to on question.

How many service personnel currently serving in (a) Bosnia and (b) Northern Ireland have been issued with compulsory redundancy notices.

How many service personnel currently serving in (a) Bosnia and (b) Northern Ireland have been issued with compulsory redundancy notices.