Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps is he taking to fill gaps in the 102 specialist armed forces pinch point trades where there are shortfalls in skilled personnel.

Armed Forces Operational Pinch Points are closely monitored and managed by the Services and the Defence Board. A range of long and short-term measures, at both Single Service and Tri-Service level, are being taken to resolve current shortfalls and mitigate their impact, including using financial recruitment and retention incentives and targeted extensions of Service.

The close monitoring and management of Operational Pinch Points enables the Department to ensure that these Pinch Points do not impact on the ability of the UK Armed Forces to meet their operational commitments.