To ask the Secretary of State for Defence with reference to the answer of 25 November 2008, Official Report, column 1171W, on ex-servicemen, for what reasons the actual number given is lower than the required number in each case; and what steps he is taking to increase the actual numbers where these do not meet requirements. (242841)

The information provided represented a snapshot, and in each case where the actual number of resettlement staff was below the required number, this was the result of natural and temporary gapping of posts, as a result of promotion, transfers etc. of the previous incumbent. In each case normal recruitment or posting action, depending on whether the post was civilian- or military-filled, is being undertaken to fill the vacancies, and it is not intended to leave the posts vacant for any longer than necessary to complete recruitment action.