§ 45. Mr. AshleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent steps have been taken to counter bullying in the armed forces.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonThe armed forces have banned all initiation ceremonies and the subject of bullying is covered on various officers' and NCOs' courses. The Army has made significant progress towards implementing the range of measures announced to the House on 7 June 1988 by my right hon. Friend the Member for Kettering (Mr. Freeman). It has been made clear throughout the services that bullyng and ill-treatment will not be tolerated, and that every allegation is viewed most seriously and will be thoroughly investigated.