§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many investigations have been conducted by the Special Investigations Branch of the Royal Military Police in the past two years; how many and what percentage of investigations have led to disciplinary charges being laid against(a) serving and (b) discharged soldiers; what was the breakdown of those cases by outcome; what was the average time taken to conduct an investigation from complaint to report; who is tasked with responding to a report of the Special Investigations Branch; and what options are available for further action to be taken. [123886]
§ Mr. SpellarThe information requested is as detailed:
(a) In the calendar years 1998 and 1999, the Special Investigations Branch began investigating a total of 3,002 cases world-wide of which 264 are ongoing
(b) A total of 1,175 persons have been reported for offences to date. Of these:
- (i) 1,150 were serving soldiers (records are not held centrally on how many were discharged at the time of the investigation); and
- (ii) 25 were civilians subject to military law.
(c) Of the total number of cases investigated:
- (i) 876 were resolved;
- (ii) in 543 cases, no crime was established;
- (iii) 216 remain unsolved;
- (iv) 264 are ongoing; and
- (v) 1,103 were inquiries in assistance to Home Department Forces.
(d) The average time taken to conduct an investigation from complaint to Report is 62 days.
(e) It is a matter for the Commanding Officer of the reported person to act upon the findings of the SIB investigation, having taken advice from the appropriate Legal adviser.
(f) A Commanding Officer may dismiss charges, deal with them summarily, refer the matter to higher authority, or remand the accused for trial by Court Martial. A. Regimental Board Of Inquiry may also be ordered.