Vol. 416 No. 1
86 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for Defence if he will outline (a) the number of vacancies which currently exist at the rank of sergeant in the Army, (b) the number of these vacancies it is proposed to fill definitively, (c) the number of appointments at the rank of acting sergeant which are currently in existence and (d) the number of vacancies at the rank of acting sergeant which have been created in the period since September 1988.
At present there are seven vacancies for sergeants in the Army. Arrangements are being made by the military authorities to fill these vacancies. Since 1988 a total of 234 acting sergeant (paid) appointments have been sanctioned to replace personnel going on overseas service. In addition, 15 acting sergeant (paid) promotions have been made to replace personnel who are at present undergoing a potential officers' course. At present, 21 personnel are holding acting sergeant (paid) appointments.
I would also refer the Deputy to the reply to Questions Nos. 3, 4 and 5 on 13 February 1992.
