§ Mr. David YoungTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether, in the light of further evidence, he will set up an inquiry headed by a High Court judge to investigate the problem of bullying in the armed forces; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanI have considered very carefully with my military colleagues the merits of an independent inquiry into the incidence of bullying. We have concluded that responsibility for such matters must rest primarily with commanding officers and the chain of command, supported as necessary by the special investigation branch of the Royal Military police. I continue to be kept very closely in touch with the investigations currently in train.