THE Army admitted for the first time yesterday that it increased the risk of suicide by young recruits at Deepcut barracks because of a lack of support staff.

Lieutenant General Anthony Palmer told a Commons inquiry into the deaths of four soldiers at the Surrey camp that their training regime created too much risk of self-harm.

The Deputy Chief of Defence Staff (Personnel) said too many officers were put on the frontline, instead of helping vulnerable young recruits cope with their tough introduction to Army life.

He told MPs: "I accept completely that we got it wrong. I am the first to put my hand up and say that."

Private Geoff Gray, of Seaham, County Durham, was among the four recruits who died from gunshot wounds at Deepcut barracks between 1995 and 2002.

This week, the Government ruled out a public inquiry into their deaths, despite widespread scepticism about the official verdict that they committed suicide.

But the Commons defence select committee independently launched an inquiry into the military's duty of care as it trains young people.

At its first evidence session, Lt Gen Palmer said an overstretched Army in the late-1990s had faced a difficult juggling act as it attempted to train recruits and fight a succession of wars.

He said: "I accept there was too much risk in the training organisation in order to mitigate the risk in the field army. I would accept that criticism. We got the supervisory ratios wrong and my concern was with the instructors and how they were struggling to cope."

The officer sparked anger among the MPs when he said the Army's primary duty of care was to prepare soldiers for battle, not to care for them during their training.

Kevan Jones, Labour MP for Durham North, said: "If I was one of the parents sat here just now, I would be horrified. You were very dismissive.

"I accept that people have got to be toughened up, but the idea that they have to go out in a box at the end of their training period is unacceptable."

The Government has tried to restore the public's confidence in training for the Armed Forces by announcing an independent inspection by the Adult Learning Inspectorate.

Pte Gray's father, also called Geoff, and the parents of the other Deepcut victims, have met lawyers to discuss a High Court action to force an independent inquiry.