To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what criteria are applied in determining whether a position in the armed forces is classed as an operational pinch point trade.

An operational pinch point occurs in a branch specialisation, sub-specialisation or area of expertise where the shortfall in trained strength (officers or ratings/other ranks) is such that it has a detrimental impact on operational effectiveness. This might be as a result of adherence to single-service harmony guidelines, under-manning, and/or levels of commitment that exceed the resourced manpower ceiling for the trades or areas of expertise involved.