Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will review guidelines on the recruitment and training of naval officers in light of positive drug tests aboard HMS Vigilant.

The Naval Service already has a zero tolerance approach regarding the use of any illegal substances, and all personnel are subject to random compulsory drug testing. This policy of no tolerance is reiterated during the recruitment process and throughout the training and career of all Naval Service personnel.

All Naval Service personnel are mandated to attend the Substance Misuse presentation during New Entry training and thereafter at yearly intervals. Once personnel reach the age of 30, this presentation is delivered at three yearly intervals. They also receive updates during Divisional meetings which are held at least three times a year.

Additionally, a Management of Alcohol and Substance Misuse presentation is delivered to all Leadership courses in order to increase the awareness and education of our future managers and leaders.