Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will bring forward legislative proposals to amend Schedule 2 of the Armed Forces Act 2006 to make the referral to the Service Police of sexual assault, exposure and voyeurism mandatory by commanding officers; and if he will make a statement.

There are no current proposals to amend Schedule 2 of the Armed Forces Act 2006 to include the offences of sexual assault, exposure and voyeurism. A Commanding Officer made aware of an allegation that any of those three offences have been committed is under a statutory obligation to ensure it is investigated appropriately. Additional guidance, provided in the Manual of Service Law, informs Commanding Officers to take legal advice when making a decision as to who should investigate, with the presumption that the Service Police should normally be made aware.