Armed Forces: Working Conditions

Mr. Lancaster
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence to how many days rest and recuperation a soldier serving on operations is entitled after (a) four, (b) six, (c) 10 and (d) 12 months active duty is entitled.

Mr. Ingram
[holding answer 27 March 2007]: Rest and Recuperation (R and R) is not leave and is to be taken at a time, location and duration specified by the operational commander. R and R may only be granted to individuals or units on periods of continuous operations in excess of four months. The maximum permissible period for each instance of R and R is 14 nights inclusive of travelling time. The number of permissible periods of R and R is dependent upon expected tour length and is subject to the following restrictions:

Over four months (120 days) but less than seven months (210 days)—one period of R and R.

Over seven months but less than 11 months (330 days)—two periods of R and R.

Over 11 months—three periods of R and R.