§ 19. Mrs. FyfeTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many cases of racial harassment have been reported in each of the armed services; and of these how many have resulted in disciplinary action being taken in the last year for which figures are available. [8989]
§ Mr. SoamesA total of 38 cases of alleged racial harassment in the Army were reported between 1992 and 6 December 1996, the last date for which figures are available. Of these, 25 were found to be unsubstantiated, and seven are still under investigation. Of the six cases substantiated, four have resulted in disciplinary action being taken.
In the corresponding period, the Royal Air Force has dealt with seven cases of alleged racial harassment. Of these, four were found to be unsubstantiated and one was withdrawn. Disciplinary action was taken in the other two cases.
The naval service has kept records of such cases for the last 12 months. In this time, five cases have been raised. Of these, one has been found to be unsubstantiated, another is under investigation and one involved disciplinary action. A further case was resolved without
223Wresort to disciplinary action. The remaining case relates to incidents in 1991–92, and is subject to a claim for damages at the High Court.
Racial abuse or discrimination is not tolerated in the armed forces. All complaints about racial discrimination are investigated and, where appropriate, action is taken against the offenders.