News Release

26th November 2002

WHITTINGTON BARRACKS

The following Parliamentary Written Answer from the Minister for the Armed Forces has been received by Michael Fabricant following accusations of rape and bullying at the Whittington Barracks.

Michael Fabricant: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the investigation of allegations of (a) rape and (b) bullying at the Army Training Regiment in Whittington Barracks near Lichfield; and what steps he is taking to reassure relations of soldiers at the barracks of their safety.

Dr. Lewis Moonie: The allegations made recently refer to events that are said to have occurred in 1997 and earlier. In respect of the rape allegation, no formal complaint has been made to the Ministry of Defence and there is no specific investigation ongoing. Naturally, should the allegation be made formally, then the department will instigate a full and proper investigation. I can confirm that claims have been brought against the Ministry of Defence in respect of bullying which took place at Whittington Barracks in 1991-92. As the claims are the subject of litigation I cannot comment further. Bullying and harassment of any kind will not be tolerated in the Army and any such allegations will always be thoroughly investigated. If such allegations are proven, appropriate action will be taken against the perpetrators.

Michael Fabricant says: "Despite a number of allegations having been made, no constituent of mine has contacted me with any complaint against Whittington Barracks. I do not think, therefore, that the minister's reply is a 'whitewash'. As a consequence, as far as I am concerned, this matter is now closed. I hope that relatives of youngsters currently being trained at the Barracks will be reassured by the minister's reply.

"In any event, these are serious legal matters. If anyone is or was abused, they should contact the police and the Ministry of Defence in writing. I am concerned that justice should be done: not only for anyone who suffers any attack, but also to the Barracks and the Army Training Regiment which has a good reputation to maintain."