§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to announce the outcome of the 1105W investigation by the special investigation branch of the Royal Military police in Edinburgh into the alleged misuse of a Gazelle helicopter by an Army officer with regard to a golf course in Scotland earlier in 1995 and other similar incidents. [5312]
§ Mr. SoamesInvestigations into this incident have been completed and the findings have been considered by the Army chain of command. A Gazelle helicopter deviated from its task to take two Army officers to a golf tournament. There was no dishonest intent on the part of the officer responsible. He did, however, make an error of judgment and he has been subject to the appropriate disciplinary action. In addition, the procedures for authorising requests for helicopter flights have been amended to ensure that similar incidents cannot happen in future. There is no connection between this incident and other allegations of the misuse of Army assets, which have not been substantiated.