HC Deb 28 October 1987 vol 121 cc337-8W
Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for Defence at what level in the armed forces complaints about bullying are held; how many units at this level there are; and what would be the cost of relaying the information to his Department for central collation.

Mr. Freeman

Investigations are held variously at unit or command level, and with reference to MoD centrally where the circumstances dictate. I will write to the right hon. Member on the further detail.

Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for Defence during the current year, what action has been taken by the Adjutant General, Sir David Mostyn, that has been specifically aimed at preventing bullying and brutality.

Mr. Freeman

Bullying is not tolerated in the British Army. The Adjutant General regards such matters very seriously and takes every opportunity including his annual conference and his numerous visits to units at home and overseas to remind commanders of the importance of careful supervision at all levels. More specifically, in January he directed that a letter be sent to senior commanders drawing their attention to recent alleged incidences of bullying. The subject was discussed at his conference in May and in July he wrote further to all commanders, to remind them of the need for continued vigilance, and for firm disciplinary action to be taken against offenders in cases where allegations of ill-treatment or bullying are substantiated. He has asked commanders to report back to him by December after thorough investigation in their own areas of command, and to make proposals fo future means of combating bullying.

Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for defence if he will make provision for soldiers to be able to make complaints about bullying to Army personnel who are not in the same battalion.

Mr. Freeman

I refer the right hon. Member to the answers I gave him on 2 April,Official Report, at column 565. Provision already exists for a soldier to complain not only up his own chain of command but also to senior visiting officers. It is also open to him to approach other officers in a unit, not in direct line of command, or various welfare agencies. He may also submit a redress of grievance.

Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for Defence on how many occasions over the past five years it has been found that initiation rites of an undesirable nature are taking place in the Army; what was the source of information; and what action was taken.

Mr. Freeman

I shall write to the right hon. Member.

Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many Army courts martial there have been in each of the last five years; how many of them have been concerned with Army brutality; in how many of these the accused was found guilty; and what sentences were imposed.

Mr. Freeman

I shall write to the right hon. Member.

Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for Defence on how many occasions over the past five years witnesses for a pending court martial involving bullying have been temporarily removed from their regiment for their own protection.

Mr. Freeman

I shall write to the right hon. Member.

Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how frequently it is found impossible to pursue allegations of bullying because no witness is willing to give evidence.

Mr. Freeman

Where the complainant himself is prepared to give witness, inquiries are invariably initiated.

Anonymous allegations of bullying are most difficult to pursue, because there is no full statement of the complaint, nor sufficient detail of alleged offences, to enable proper investigation.

Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he has received any indications or suggestions that fear of the consequences restrains recruits from complaining about Army bullying.

Mr. Freeman

The Army is well aware that there could be a reluctance on the part of some recruits to complain about bullying, and that this can be a risk when dealing anywhere with matters of this kind. All possible steps are taken to try to overcome this difficulty. Each soldier knows of his right to go over the head of his immediate commander, to a higher level, if this should prove necessary, or to approach any senior visiting officer. Other forms of advice and help are also available, for example, the unit medical officer, the padre, the families' officer, and the staff of welfare agencies such as the WRVS and SSAFA.