HC Deb 23 August 1881 vol 265 cc767-8

Order for Second Reading read.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a second time."—(The Judge Advocate General.)

SIR HENRY FLETCHER

said, he was glad that the punishment originally contemplated—namely, the attaching of an offending soldier on active service to a waggon, or to a stirrup, had been given up; but he thought they should have some explanation as to the substituted punishment—namely, the attaching the delinquent to a "fixed object." Then as to "transfers." Under the old system, an elder brother serving in one regiment and having a younger brother serving in another was at liberty to claim that his younger brother should be transferred to his regiment; and he desired to know whether that regulation was still in force? With respect to the colour sergeants of Line regiments transferred to Volunteer corps, would they, he asked, on the completion of 21 years of service, be entitled to pension as colour sergeants of the Line or merely as sergeants?

SIR WALTER B. BARTTELOT

observed, that the Bill purported to be a consolidation of the two last Acts passed in reference to the Army. There were, of course, certain alterations introduced, and it would be satisfactory if they had an official announcement that the Amendments in question were not inconsistent with the Acts referred to. He was of opinion that those who had been so very anxious for the abolition of flogging would find that there would now have to be inflicted punishments much more degrading to the soldier.

MR. OSBORNE MORGAN

said, that the Bill was, as it purported to be, a Consolidation Bill. The alterations made were merely verbal, and were necessary to supply gaps. They were, in fact, explanatory or declaratory. With respect to the question as to colour sergeants, he would be able to reply to it if it were repeated to-morrow. He was very glad that the question of flogging was not to be re-opened. The rules respecting summary punishment had been settled with a great deal of care, and it seemed to him impossible that they could be more definitely drawn up. There must be some punishment which could be inflicted on an emergency in the field, and something must be left to the discretion of the officers. The substituted punishment referred to could only be inflicted where summary punishment was inflicted on active service, and for its infliction the officer in command would be responsible.

Question put, and agreed to.

Bill read a second time, and committed for To-morrow.