HC Deb 29 June 1981 vol 7 cc296-7W
Mr. Cryer

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will ensure that Gunner Andrew Day is not returned to any Army unit in Western Germany pending a full investigation into his complaints of brutality; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Blaker

Gunner Day will not be returned to West Germany pending a full investigation into his complaints of ill-treatment. An investigation by the special investigation branch of the Royal Military Police is in progress.

Mr. Cryer

asked the Secretary of State for Defence who is to conduct the investigation into the complaints of brutality made by Gunner Andrew Day about a British Army unit in West Germany; how long the investigation will take; whether it will be published; and when he expects to provide a reply to letters sent by the hon. Member for Keighley on Tuesday 16 June.

Mr. Blaker

The special investigation branch of the Royal Military Police has commenced an investigation into Gunner Day's complaints. It is not known how long a full investigation will take but it cannot be completed properly until Gunner Day returns to duty. A report of the investigation will not be published, but I shall inform the hon. Member of its outcome as soon as possible. In the meantime, my hon. Friend the Member for Beckenham (Mr. Goodhart) is replying to the hon. Member's letter.