§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Defence how many incidents involving allegations of bullying or brutality have been investigated in each of the armed forces in the last three years; how each incident was drawn to the attention of the authorities; what was the result of the investigations; if he will take steps to encourage reports of bullying and brutality; and if he will investigate the incidence of such behaviour in each of the armed forces.
§ Mr. FreemanI refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Kingston upon Hull, North (Mr. McNamara) on 7 April 1987, at columns172–73. I also refer him to answers that he received on 7 April 1987, column 173 and on 2 April 1987, at column 565. I must apologise to the right hon. Member for the fact that an incorrect figure was included in the answer that I gave him on 7 April; the correct figure for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines for 1984 is 10. The figure for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines 1985 is 5: this figure was not available when the question was answered.
Any form of bullying or ill-treatment is not tolerated in the armed forces. Reports and allegations of such treatment are always immediately and thoroughly investigated and where the allegations are substantiated firm disciplinary action is taken against those responsible.