HL Deb 05 July 1991 vol 530 cc1203-4

12.26 p.m.

The Earl of Arran rose to move that the draft order laid before the House on 7th June be approved [21st Report from the Joint Committee].

The noble Earl said: My Lords, the purpose of the order is to continue in force the Army and Air Force Acts 1955 and the Naval Discipline Act 1957, which together provide the statutory basis for discipline in the three services, for a further four months from 31st August. Under the current annual Order in Council the service discipline Acts remain in force until the 31st August 1991. Unless renewed before then either by primary legislation or by Order in Council, those Acts would then expire. Under the Armed Forces Act 1986, however, no Order in Council may extend the Acts beyond 31st December 1991.

The first purpose of the Armed Forces Bill which has just been read a second time in this House is therefore to make provision for the Acts to continue in force for a further five years from the date on which they would otherwise expire. While I have every expectation that the Armed Forces Bill will be enacted before the Summer Recess, the order will merely ensure that there is no possibility that the Acts will expire without having been renewed. The Bill, of course, also provides an opportunity to consider service disciplinary procedures in depth.

Providing for the service discipline Acts in this way is merely a prudent measure and I invite the House to approve the order. I beg to move.

Moved, That the draft order laid before the House on 7th June be approved [21st Report from the Joint Committee].—(The Earl of Arran.)

Lord Graham of Edmonton

My Lords, we on these Benches welcome the order. Colleagues in another place made a meal of it, because it gave them an opportunity to raise a number of important matters. We have just had the benefit of an hour's general debate on the issues covered by the order. We expect that in Committee we shall have a further opportunity to return to specific points. This side of the House understands, appreciates and accepts the necessity for the order.

The Earl of Arran;

My Lords, I am grateful to the noble Lord, Lord Graham of Edmonton. I commend the order to the House.

On Question, Motion agreed to.

House adjourned at twenty-nine minutes past twelve midday.