§ Miss WiddecombeTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the allegations of bullying at Bassingbourn barracks, Hertfordshire, in respect of Wayne Beal and other recruits.
§ Mr. FreemanThe special investigation branch of the Royal Military Police are investigating the allegation of bullying at the Queen's Division depot at Bassingbourn that involve Private Wayne Beal and three other recruits. Once these are completed, I shall write to my hon. Friend.
§ Miss WiddecombeTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how he will ensure that members of the armed services who are bullied by non-commissioned officers can complain to senior officers without subsequent victimisation.
§ Mr. FreemanI can assure my hon. Friend that there will be no victimisation of any soldiers, especially young recruits, who speak out about bullying or mistreatment. All officers are well aware of their fundamental responsibility for the well-being of their soldiers and of the serious nature of these matters and are alert for such offences occurring. They will undoubtedly assist with passing complaints forward to commanding officers whose duty it is to investigate all such complaints.