§ Order for Third Reading read.
§ MR. CALDWELL (Lanark, Mid)I think the House will be aware that the Debate in Committee on this Bill showed that the Army Act of 1881 was not in a very satisfactory condition so far as legislation is concerned. Every year since it was passed there have been alterations and amendments in it, with the result that even the Government itself experiences considerable difficulty as to the real position of the law. I think, therefore, there should be some arrangement by which the Act may be printed for the convenience of those connected with the Army. A paper is issued showing the alterations from year to year, but it is non-official. The Statute alone is the recognised authority in the matter. When it is remembered that the Army Act has to be administered by courts-martial, and by numerous other bodies connected with the Army, it is obvious that any Act of Parliament of so complicated a nature should, in the interests of the Army, be printed and made as clear as possible. I may mention that the draughtsman does not seem to have quite understood his position with regard to the Army (Annual) Act. At one time these yearly alterations were embodied in the Act itself, but now they are not repeated from year to year. I am sure that the Government will admit that this is a matter which ought to be attended to, and that in future all the alterations should be embodied in the Act.
§
Question put—
That the Bill be read a third time.
§ Agreed to.