APPENDIX 15
Memorandum submitted by The Association
for Royal Naval & Royal Marines Families
Thank you for your letter and enclosures dated
17 January 2001 asking us to forward a submission to the Defence
Select Committee reviewing the Armed Forces Bill. Unfortunately
for a variety of reasons we feel unable to do justice at this
present time to this most important issue. Some of the reasons
are as follows:
(a) Owing to our relatively recent formation
we lack the hard evidence in terms of numbers and views from our
families on this particular issue.
(b) The very short timescale within which
you require response has made the research and commenting on the
many specific areas within the Bill almost impossible for us to
achieve.
(c) The lack of easy and immediate access
to any reference documents has cause to hinder our endeavours.
Despite the above we have attempted to document
and raise with the Select Committee the following issues which
we feel are of relevance to both naval serving personnel and their
families at this present time. Overall we would like to ensure
that the impact and consequences for families of all disciplinary
procedures covered under the Bill are considered and fully taken
account of.
For example, when imposing a fine on the serving
person the impact upon his or her family is realised. In the Naval
Service, there does not exist a minimum pay protection as there
is in the Army or RAF. This can impact on a family's financial
situation quite severely should the particular unit or establishment
prove to be remiss when considering the families needs.
On the subject of Domestic Violence the role
of the Ministry of Defence Police in assisting the Royal Naval
& Royal Marines Families is well established and the small
increase within the updated version of the Armed Forces Bill will
be valuable.
February 2001
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