§ 34. Mr. VazTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the case of Susan Hunter. [36290]
§ Mr. SpellarThe regrettable incident of racial abuse to which Mrs. Hunter was subjected, during a social function held at Oakington Barracks on 9 August 1995, was thoroughly and fully investigated by the Special Investigation Branch of the Royal Military Police. After reviewing the evidence, the Army Prosecuting Authority determined that Private Bragg should face trial by District Court-Martial. Private Bragg pleaded guilty to the charges brought against him, and was sentenced to 112 days detention and dismissed from the Service. The sentence reflects the serious and genuine commitment which the Army has to eliminate racism.
The commitment of Ministers and the Chiefs of Staff fully to eliminate racism from the Armed Forces is unequivocal. All three Services have either issued or revised their equal opportunity policies and directives which leave all personnel absolutely clear on where their personal responsibilities lie. Any personnel who continue to practise racist behaviour will be dealt with severely and, depending on the circumstances of the case, dismissed.