HC Deb 25 June 1991 vol 193 cc465-6W
Mr. Winnick

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether Guardsmen Povey, Hicks and Ray were requested to give evidence before the board of inquiry into the circumstances which led to their serious injuries in July 1989.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

The board of inquiry did not take evidence directly from the three Guardsmen. When the board was convened at Batus the soldiers had been returned to the United Kingdom for medical treatment. The board did, however, consider the transcript of an interview with LCpl Ray at Medicine Hat City hospital, Canada.

Mr. Winnick

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what informal undertakings were given after the serious injuries affecting Guardsmen Povey, Hicks and Ray in July 1989 that compensation would be paid to them.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

We are aware of none. If any such undertakings were given, they were without authorisation.

Mr. Sayeed

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence under what terms of reference the board of inquiry was set up that inquired into the cases of Guardsmen Hicks, Povey and Ray.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

The board of inquiry was asked to investigate all the circumstances and record all the evidence relevant to its inquiries. In particular, the board was asked to establish the cause of the accident; how it occurred; whether the soldiers were on duty; whether any person involved, wilfully or by neglect, contravened any recognised orders, procedures or drills; whether a mechanical fault or failure contributed to the accident; whether there was any lack of supervision or other matters which required rectification, the medical attention available, what action, if any, was necessary to prevent a recurrence; whether the accident was correctly reported in line with the Batus Range standing orders; and any other matter which the President of the board considered relevant. The inquiry was also asked with recording what action had been taken, or would be taken, to prevent a recurrence and to make recommendations to that end.

Mr. Winnick

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations have been received from senior officers in the Grenadier Guards urging that compensation be paid to Guardsmen Povey, Hicks and Ray.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

One such representation has been received.

Back to