§ 30. Mr. GroganTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about progress in combating bullying in the Army. [127286]
§ Mr. AmessTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he is taking to address the issue of bullying in the armed forces. [127276]
§ Mr. SpellarAll three Services have a clear policy, which is promulgated to all personnel, that no form of harassment, victimisation or other unacceptable social conduct will be tolerated and all allegations of ill treatment are thoroughly investigated. It is the duty of all those in a position of responsibility to protect others from physical and mental bullying and to report any incident promptly. Appropriate action is taken against the perpetrators. Potential recruits are made fully aware of this policy. The policy of zero tolerance towards ill treatment was re-emphasised when the new code of social conduct was issued to all Service personnel in January. In the last two years, all three Services have set up Confidential Helplines which can be used by any member of the Armed Forces or their families, if necessary anonymously, who believe they are being ill-treated.