HC Deb 18 December 1996 vol 287 cc625-6W
Mr. Simpson

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many of those under age 18 years in the United Kingdom armed forces have been killed in each of the last three years. [9298]

Mr. Soames

This is a matter for the chief executive of the Defence Analytical Services Agency. I have asked him to write to the hon. Member.

Letter from Fred Johnson to Mr. Alan Simpson, dated 18 December 1996: In the absence of the Chief Executive on duty, I have been asked to reply to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence regarding the number of minors in the United Kingdom armed forces killed in each of the last three years, as this matter falls within the area of responsibility of the Chief Executive of the Defence Analytical Services Agency. The figures are as follows:

  • 1993: 1
  • 1994: 0
  • 1995: 3
  • 1996 to date1: 1

1 Information reported to DASA as at 12 December 1996.

Notes:

'Minors' comprise those aged 16 and 17.

'Killed' has been taken to include all deaths of serving personnel either on duty or off duty.