DEFENCE Minister Adam Ingram's rejection of calls for a public inquiry into the deaths at Deepcut Barracks comes as no surprise.

Since concerns were first raised about Deepcut, the Government has appeared more intent on avoiding, rather than tackling, the issue of the care of young recruits.

The case for a public inquiry remains as strong as ever.

Yesterday, Mr Ingram spoke of the delay of convening an inquiry and waiting for its conclusions. Conveniently, he omits to mention the Government's procrastination in this matter. He also overlooks that fact that the Hutton Report clearly demonstrated the potential speed in a public inquiry process fully supported and resourced by the Government machine.

Mr Ingram also spoke of the intensity and frequency of investigations into the deaths at Deepcut. Conveniently, he omits to mention the recommendation of the last investigation, by Surrey Police, to launch a ''broader inquiry'' to examine bullying and the care of young soldiers across the Army as a whole.

The appointment of the Adult Learning Inspectorate to conduct independent inspections of armed forces' training establishments does not mitigate the need for a public inquiry. Indeed, its appointment is tacit acknowledgment of failings and serves to justify rather than negate calls for a public inquiry.

The families of those who died at Deepcut will continue to pursue this matter.

Quite rightly, they want to know how their children died when they were under the supervision and care of the Army.

Only a public inquiry can provide them with the opportunity to find answers to their questions.