To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what mechanisms are in place to ensure the professional conduct of doctors serving with the military in examining military prisoners; and if he will make a statement. (153737)

I have assumed that the Member is referring to "military prisoners" in the widest sense, i.e. all persons detained by the UK armed forces, rather than simply Service personnel detained in the Military Corrective Training Centre at Colchester or by their unit. The same principles apply to medical examinations regardless of the specific status and location of the detainee.

Military doctors charged with the medical care of prisoners and detainees are required to follow MOD policy directives based on medical ethics as advised by the General Medical Council, UK law and, where relevant, United Nations declarations and international law, including the Geneva Conventions. Initial military training courses for Service doctors cover the medical support to be provided to persons detained by UK forces whilst deployed on operations.

Any failure to comply can result in various sanctions depending upon the nature of the offence, ranging from internal disciplinary measures to investigation by the GMC or criminal prosecution.

We review our policy and training in this area when appropriate.