§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many service personnel have been tested under the new compulsory drug testing procedures in(a) the Army, (b) the Royal Navy including the Royal Marines and (c) the Royal Air force; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. SoamesThe Army is the only service to have introduced a compulsory drug testing programme. Tests began in January, and by 1 March 436 Army personnel had been tested. The Royal Navy has recently completed an anonymous trial to determine whether there is a need for compulsory drug testing of naval personnel, including the Royal Marines, and a report will be submitted to the Admiralty Board shortly. The RAF does not consider that there is a need to introduce compulsory drug testing at present, but is keeping its position under review.