§ Mr. KeetchTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to his answer of 5 December 2002,Official Report, column 930W, on military bases (legal officers), what welfare and support services there are separate from the chain of command offered to members of the armed forces by his Department; what legal advice is available for members of the armed forces through the range of welfare and support services separate from the chain of command offered by his Department; and if he will make a statement. [87935]
§ Dr. MoonieWelfare and support services available to service personnel on military bases include chaplains, medical officers, unit welfare officers and agencies such as SSAFA—Forces Help, RELATE and WRVS. A confidential helpline is also available. These services enjoy varying degrees of separateness or independence from the chain of command. All have appropriate rules of confidentiality.
None of the welfare services provide legal advice per se. However, they may advise an individual to seek independent legal advice where it is felt appropriate. Any service person who is interviewed in connection with a possible offence may make use of the duty solicitor scheme.