§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Defence if the inquiries into the death of Private James Darkin, a constituent of the right hon. Member for Manchester, Wythenshawe, have now been completed; and what alterations he proposes to Army training methods to avoid any similar occurrence.
§ Mr. Michael Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will make a statement on the investigation into the death of Private Darkin.
§ Mr. HayhoeIn the light of the evidence given at the coroner's inquest, I instructed the Special Investigation Branch of the Royal Military Police to resume its inquiries into the unfortunate death of Private Darkin. The report of the investigation has now been brought to the attention of the Director of Army Legal Services. In the light of his advice, and with my knowledge, disciplinary action has been initiated against three individuals, two lance-corporals and a private soldier, in respect of their actions whilst serving with the late Private Darkin at Simpson Barracks, Northampton. No grounds were found for taking similar action against any other individual.
In addition, a number of administrative measures have been put in hand at the Royal Pioneer Corps training centre to strengthen the care and supervision exercised over recruits undergoing training. I have written separately to my hon. Friend and the right hon. Member giving more details of the steps taken. I should like to repeat that brutality, ill-treatment or bullying in any form will not be tolerated in the British Army and I am satisfied that the incidents connected with Private Darkin have now been fully investigated and the appropriate action taken.