§ 15. Mr. Robert Atkinsasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will pay a visit to Fulwood barracks.
§ Mr. HayhoeMy right hon. Friend has no plans to do so at present.
§ Mr. AtkinsI regret my hon. Friend's answer, because Fulwood barracks is a recruiting headquarters as well as the regimental headquarters of my local regiment. Will my hon. Friend confirm that the recent instances of brutality that have been reported in newspapers in rather hair-raising terms are but insignificant complaints within the Army and within the Armed Forces generally? Will he restate the Government's position?
§ Mr. HayhoeI must make it clear that brutality and bullying have no place in the British Armed Forces. Such conduct is not and will not be tolerated. Every commander—not only those concerned with the training of recruits—is aware of that and knows how seriously such instances are regarded.