Armed Forces: Health Services

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence with reference to the Armed Forces' Pay Review Body: Service Medical and Dental Officers: Supplement to the 38th Report 2009, what the shortfall was in regular service (a) medical officers and (b) orthopaedic and trauma surgeon officers for the (i) Royal Navy, (ii) Royal Air Force and (iii) Army, on the latest date for which figures are available. (322865)

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many trained orthopaedic surgeon (a) regulars and (b) reservists are (i) employed and (ii) required in each armed service. (323226)

Detailed data will no longer be published where this would highlight potential pinch points within the armed forces, including the Defence Medical Services. I am withholding the information requested as its disclosure would, or would be likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the armed forces.

In order to maintain appropriate external scrutiny of such data, the Department will continue to provide comprehensive manning data to the House of Commons Defence Committee on a confidential basis.