§ Mr. AshtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the reason Private Patrick Callaghan and Private Bryson Dart of the I Battalion Worcester and Sherwood Foresters have been kept in custody in Cyprus; for how long they have been kept in custody; when they can be expected to face an inquiry after their allegation of bullying; what promises were made to them and their families that there would be no retribution following their allegations; and why they are not allowed to carry on with their normal duties while awaiting the investigation.
§ Mr. AitkenI will write to the hon. Gentleman.
§ Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what action he will take following Private Anthony Evans's case to ensure ethnic minorities in the British Army are not subjected to bullying or racism in the future.
§ Mr. AitkenIt has been made clear throughout the services that bullying and racism will not be tolerated. Measures have been introduced to eradicate this form of unacceptable behaviour.
§ Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what compensation Private Anthony Evans, formerly of the Royal Regiment of Wales, will receive for the loss of his Army career and the mental and physical injury he suffered during his service in the Army.
§ Mr. AitkenThe Army Board is awaiting comments from Anthony Evans's solicitors on the findings of the board of inquiry held to consider his allegations. Once those comments have been received the Army Board will consider the question of compensation.
§ Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the extent of bullying and racism in the British Army; and what steps have been taken to eradicate them.
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§ Mr. AitkenThe Army takes a serious view of all forms of bullying and racism; all service personnel are aware that behaviour of this kind will not be tolerated. Any allegations or complaints of ill-treatment are investigated. Depending on the strength of the evidence, disciplinary action will be taken against the perpetrators.
A range of measures to combat bullying and racism have been introduced, including the banning of initiation ceremonies. These measures include the establishment of additional posts in the training organisation to allow officers and NCOs to devote more time to their supervisory role. Posts have also been established for the Women's Royal Voluntary Service to help combat bullying.
§ Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what disciplinary action will be taken against Army personnel involved in Private Anthony Evans's case; and when it will be made public.
§ Mr. AitkenDisciplinary action was taken in 1991 by the commanding officer against those held to be responsible. The disciplinary action taken is a private matter between those individuals concerned and their commanding officer.