§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent guidelines concerning the elimination of bullying and intimidation of young recruits and others have been issued to commanding officers in all three services; if he will place a copy of the guidelines in the Library; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HanleyIt has been made clear throughout the three services that bullying and other ill-treatment will not 821W be tolerated. In October 1993, the Adjutant General issued the Army's discipline and standards paper which set out the standards of behaviour expected from members of the Army. A copy of the paper will be placed in the Library of the House; paragraphs 24 to 26 address the issue of bullying and initiation ceremonies.
No similar guidelines have recently been issued to commanding officers in the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. However, current standing orders of the Royal Air Force expressly forbid any form of bullying or participation in initiation ceremonies.
§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many members of(a) the Royal Navy, (b) the Army and (c) the Royal Air Force have been tried and convicted at courts martial for the offence of bullying in each of the past five years; how many were (i) officers, (ii) non-commissioned officers and (iii) other ranks; what was the range of penalties imposed; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HanleyMy noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence will write to the hon. Member.