§ Mr. SandersTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what research he has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on alcoholism in the armed forces; and if he will place the results in the Library. [38177]
§ Dr. ReidAll three Services run comprehensive education packages to combat alcohol misuse. In addition, each of the Services have in place arrangements for treating and rehabilitating those who display signs of alcohol dependency. These measures are kept under review and amended and re-focused as necessary. To this end, the individual Service authorities are free to initiate or commission research as necessary. The most recent such commission was made by the Army in late 1995 when a pilot study was undertaken by a civilian company into the use and misuse of alcohol. A fuller study was 279W subsequently conducted by the same company during 1996–97. The study found that the incidence of problems of alcohol misuse among Army personnel was broadly similar to that experienced by an equivalent section of society of the same demographic and socio-economic make up. The report highlighted areas where improvements could be made in education and awareness and these are being addressed. The report is an internal management document and is being used in the development of alcohol policy and awareness training; the interviews on which its conclusions are based were given in confidence. There are therefore no plans to publish the report.