Written question asked by Sue Doughty (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 2 November 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 8 November 2004. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Monday, 8 November 2004 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, under what circumstances military personnel (a) are and (b) may in future work with children; and if the Government will ensure criminal records checks are made on members of the armed forces who interact with children.

Answer: Sue Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence under what circumstances military personnel (a) are and (b) may in future work with children; and if the Government will ensure criminal records checks are made on members of the armed forces who interact with children. [196440] Mr. Ingram: There are a number of circumstances where military personnel, in the course of their duty, may be involved with children. In the main, but not exclusively, they are the medical services, some legal staff, welfare and families staff, Padres, cadet and youth training teams, recruitment staff, cadet instructors and administrative staff, and Service community police. In all instances Service personnel appointed to these posts undergo a criminal records check to an appropriate level of disclosure.

Secondary information