HC Deb 20 January 1999 vol 323 c460W
Mr. Berry

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many service personnel under 18 years of age have been court-martialled in the last 10 years. [66223]

Mr. Doug Henderson

The information we have available covers the period 1987–1996. Within that period, a total of 19 personnel under the age of 18 years have been convicted by a court-martial. In addition, two RN personnel convicted by a court-martial were charged when under 18 but had reached the age of 18 by the date of their trial.

Mr. Berry

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many service personnel under 18 years of age are currently detained for breaches of contract or discipline at the Military Correctional Training Centre, Colchester. [66222]

Mr. Doug Henderson

Only one solider under the age of 18 years is currently being held at the Military Corrective Training Centre, Colchester. That soldier is nearing the end of his period of detention following a sentence of 60 days for being Absent Without Leave.