§ Mr. Menzies CampbellTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what advice on drug abuse is available to British forces serving in the former Yugoslavia on behalf of the United Nations.
§ Mr. SoamesAll service personnel, wherever they are serving, are aware of the armed forces' policy on the misuse of drugs. Army personnel serving in the former Yugoslavia were informed of the Army's intention to introduce compulsory random testing in January 1995.
§ Mr. Menzies CampbellTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will make a statement on the incidence of drug abuse among British forces serving in the former Yugoslavia on behalf of the United Nations;
(2) how many members of the British forces serving in the former Yugoslavia on behalf of the United Nations and of what rank have been the subject of (a) investigation and (b) disciplinary proceedings for drug abuse.
§ Mr. SoamesOne corporal, two lance corporals and four private soldiers have been investigated for alleged drug offences in the former Republic of Yugoslavia. Of these, one lance corporal and three private soldiers are awaiting disciplinary proceedings. No evidence was found against the other service men investigated. At present, investigations are being conducted into alleged drug offences by two further lance corporals and one private soldier. Although we view all cases involving the misuse of drugs with concern, the total number of personnel investigated represents less than 1 per cent. of the British forces serving in the former Yugoslavia.