Written question asked by Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 18 March 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 25 March 2004. It was answered by Ivor Caplin (Labour) on Thursday, 25 March 2004 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 14th October 2003, Official Report, 411 c317W, on Army Personnel (self-harm), if he will make a statement on progress in the collection and analysis of the existing information on incidents of deliberate self-harm in the army.

Answer: Mr. Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 14 October 2003, Official Report, column 317W, on Army Personnel (self- harm), if he will make a statement on progress in the collection and analysis of the existing information on incidents of deliberate self-harm in the army. [163148] Mr. Caplin: The Department is considering whether it is feasible to collect information on incidents of self- harm that would be reliable and consistent between the three Services. The work in hand is looking at the identification and recording of such incidents, reporting systems, analysis and data protection. This is, however, a complex area and an early conclusion is unlikely.

Secondary information