To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many people with Crohn's disease have (a) applied to and (b) been rejected for the Army Reserves in each year since 2010.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the Army Reserves consider a person diagnosed with Crohn's disease to be unfit for service.

It is not possible to extract specific medical rejection reasons, such as Crohn's disease, from the Defence Recruiting System. However, as outlined in the Joint Service Manual of Medical Fitness (JSP 950 volume 6-7-7), candidates who apply to join the Army (Regular and Reserve) with diagnosis of Crohn's disease, will be rejected.

For personnel who are already in service, medical grading relating to inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn's disease, relates to the level of ongoing symptoms, number and frequency of recurrences, known triggers and the requirement for medication, surgery and follow-up.