§ 25. Mr. Whitakerasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will ask independent experts to review and advise upon penal methods and institutions in the Armed Services.
§ Mr. ReynoldsNo. My Department has close contact with the Home Office on these matters and I see no necessity to go elsewhere for advice.
§ Mr. Whitakerasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will now seek to prohibit corporal punishment and penal canvas garments in all the armed forces.
§ Mr. ReynoldsThere is no corporal punishment in the Armed Forces. As my hon. Friend is aware, canvas garments are used under regulations laid before Parliament, and not for penal purposes.