§ Mr. David Youngasked the Secretary of State for Defence how many allegations of brutal treatment of members of the Armed Forces by other members have been made since May 1979; how many have been investigated; how many prosecutions have resulted from such investigations, and with what result; if he will take action to prevent the recurrence of brutality to recruits in future; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PymNo central record is maintained of cases of alleged physical assault which are dealt with at unit level without calling in the Service police. Since 1 May 1979 31 cases have been under police investigation. These include cases involving allegations made by trained Service personnel as well as by recruits. In some cases prosecutions have been brought while in others the investigation is still in progress or has only recently been completed. Sentences have included reprimands, fines and detention.
In recent months senior Army officers and I have reasserted that any form of bullying or ill-treatment of Service men, whether recruits or otherwise, is not tolerated and that offenders will be treated with severity.