HC Deb 31 March 1876 vol 228 cc1035-6

Bill, as amended, considered.

CAPTAIN NOLAN

in moving, as an Amendment, the addition of certain words at the end of Clause 26, said, its object was simply to give to Courts-martial the power of sentencing a deserving non-commissioned officer to a less punishment than reduction to the ranks. Under the present system a man was often either too heavily punished, or was not punished at all. The hon. and gallant Member concluded by moving the Amendment.

Amendment proposed, In page 14, line 9, after the word "war," to insert the words "and may sentence any non-commissioned officer to reduction to the ranks, or be placed at the bottom or in any other place in the list of his rank, or to be reduced to an inferior rank of non-commissioned officer; and, in case of reduction to the ranks, may further sentence him to any punishment to which a private soldier is liable."—(Captain Nolan.)

Question proposed, "That those words be there inserted."

MR. GATHORNE HARDY

said, that the general opinion amongst military men was, that when non-commissioned officers were tried before a Court-martial and found guilty they should be reduced to the ranks. He hoped that the Amendment would be withdrawn, as he had the whole subject under his consideration, and thought he might possibly be enabled to make a proposition next year which would be satisfactory to the hon. and gallant Member.

CAPTAIN NOLAN

said, he should, with the leave of the House, withdraw the Amendment after the statement of the right hon. Gentleman.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Amendment made.

Bill to be read the third time upon Monday next.