asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether, arising from the death of soldier James Darkin and earlier bullying incidents last November, he will institute a formal inquiry into the methods of Army training at Simpson barracks, Northampton; and if he will make a statement in due course.

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave yesterday to the right hon. Member for Manchester, Wythen- shawe (Mr. Morris). Allegations of ill-treatment of Private Darkin by fellow soldiers are being fully investigated but there is no connection with any other incidents of last November. I shall write to my hon. Friend as soon as my inquiries have been completed.