Armed Forces (Service Complaints Commissioner) Regulations 2007

I am slightly more positive about these regulations than the noble Lord, Lord Astor. Virtually all those involved have come to accept that something had to be done about complaints procedures in the Armed Forces. We certainly have some sympathy with the notion that bullying, dishonest behaviour, harassment and so on must be dealt with, and we can support the idea of bringing procedures into line with the rest of society, although we probably would have liked the regulations to go slightly further. Signposting and the monitoring of progress is restrictive, with everything being referred back to the Ministry of Defence instead of being made more public. We would have preferred something more independent, perhaps in relation to the commissioner. But, generally speaking, the regulations mark a step in the right direction. While I do not think they can be regarded as the final line to be drawn under these matters, Members on our Benches have largely concluded that we are taking a step forward with them and going in the direction we should. It is important to bear in mind that if we are to try and improve the lot of service men and women, their rights and privileges as such should be brought more into line with those outside the armed services. We therefore give the regulations a guarded welcome.