asked the Secretary of State for Defence what action he plans to take following the inquiry by the special investigation branch of the Royal Military Police into the alleged ill-treatment of young soldiers at Lichfield: and if he will make a statement.

Some the allegations of ill-treatment of young soldiers at Whittington barracks, Lichfield have been substantiated following an investigation by the special investigation branch of the Royal Military Police. Disciplinary action has been taken against an officer and six-non-commissioned officers in respect of a number of charges involving 10 recruits. Individual punishments included fines of up to £400, reprimands and sever reprimands. The officer and five of the NCOs involved have been removed from the depot and are no longer involved in training recruits.