To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what conclusions his Department has reached in fulfilment of its duty under section 3.111 of the statutory code of practice of the disability equality duty. (240987)

The Ministry of Defence's Equality and Diversity Scheme 2008-11 is available on the website at:

www.mod.pdf

The scheme incorporates the disability equality duty together with other diversity strands covering race, gender, age, religion or belief and sexual orientation. The conclusions can be found in the annual progress report for 2007-08, which is due to be published shortly. A copy will be placed on the website and in the Library of the House.

The armed forces are exempt from the employment provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act.