To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much has been spent by his Department (a) in total and (b) on staff costs on promoting equality and diversity in each of the last three years for which figures are available; and how many people are employed by his Department for this purpose.

The Department takes the promotion of equality and diversity (E and D) seriously. All civilian staff are required to undertake on-line training within six months of joining, and facilitated workshops are held regularly for military personnel.

However, the information requested is not held centrally. To disaggregate the annual spend, and estimate percentages devoted to the promotion of equality and diversity across the Department, would incur disproportionate cost.

With regard to the number of personnel employed on E&D roles, there is a Head Office team of five people, with smaller teams supporting the individual top level budget holders. Below this level the role of E and D advisor and assistant advisor is an additional duty at unit locations and establishments.