§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many service men have been reinstated in(a) the Army, (b) the Royal Navy and (c) the Royal Air Force following a conviction and a term of imprisonment for (i) murder, (ii) manslaughter, (iii) culpable homicide, (iv) sexual assault or rape and (v) offences involving homosexual activities in each of the past 15 years; and if he will make a statement. [33621]
§ Mr. SoamesNo central record of this information is maintained and it would involve disproportionate cost to carry out a physical check of my Department's records over the past 15 years. It is, however, normal practice for service personnel to be discharged if they are sentenced to a term of imprisonment by a civil court, although in exceptional circumstances there is discretion to retain individuals in service.