asked Her Majesty's Government:

What consideration has been given to including United Kingdom Armed Forces personnel in the abuse of position of trust offences in the Sexual Offences Act 2003.[HL5220]

I am not aware that any specific consideration was given to including United Kingdom Armed Forces personnel in the abuse of trust offences in the Sexual Offences Act 2003. However, the 2003 Act could apply to personnel if they fall within its provisions and, where they do not, personnel are subject to other civil criminal offences such as sexual assault. Additionally, personnel suspected of a breach of trust offence could be tried under the appropriate sections of the Army Act 1955, the Air Force Act 1955 or the Naval Discipline Act 1957 and, on conviction, face imprisonment. Personnel whose normal duties involve caring for, training, supervising or being solely in charge of service personnel aged under 18 in the Armed Forces are now subject to Criminal Records Bureau checks and will be subject to monitoring under the provisions of the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 when it comes into force in 2009.