asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the number of driving instructors at the Army School of Transport ; how many are men and how many women ; and whether sex is taken into account when making appointments.

The Army School of Transport has posts for five civilian instructional officer driving instructors at grade 2 (supervisory) level. The present holders are all men. These supervisory posts are filled by promotion from those holding grade 4 CIODI posts in other establishments. Both men and women are eligible for promotion and are given equal opportunity for selection. Vacancies for grade 4 posts are advertised in the national Press and since early 1973 such posts have been open to both men and women ; so far three women have applied and one has been selected.