HC Deb 25 November 2002 vol 395 c6W
Mr. Keetch

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what legal assistance is available to members of the Armed Forces; and if he will make a statement. [82120]

Mr. Ingram

Members of the Armed Forces are entitled to the same legal assistance as other members of the public. The assistance available through Service procedures is intended to mirror as closely as possible the arrangements in the civil justice system.

In addition the Ministry of Defence will consider paying for the defence of an individual charged with a criminal offence where the offence arose as a result of actions undertaken in the course of employment and where certain strict criteria are met.