Written question asked by Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 2 July 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 9 July 2003. It was answered by Ivor Caplin (Labour) on Wednesday, 9 July 2003 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps have been taken to discourage the use of illegal drugs at Deepcut barracks since 1995.

Answer: Mr. Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps have been taken to discourage the use of illegal drugs at Deepcut barracks since 1995. [124174] Mr. Caplin: Drug misuse is unacceptable in the armed forces and the Services have vigorous education and training programmes aimed at deterring drug misuse. Steps taken include drugs awareness lectures and regular poster campaigns to promote awareness on the dangers and consequences of the misuse of drugs. In recognition of the growing drug problem within the society from which it recruits, the Army introduced a Compulsory Drug Testing programme in May 1995. All measures to deter the misuse of drugs have, and continue to be, applied at Deepcut as they are applied at all military units.

Secondary information