§ Order for Third Reading read.
§ *SIR J. POPE HENNESSY (Kilkenny, N.)I had an Amendment on the Paper with the object of effecting such a change in the law as will enable Marine officers to sit on Courts Martial to try Marines for offences committed when afloat. There is a great deal of interest felt in this question in many quarters, and I trust the Government will be able to give me an assurance that the matter I refer to will not be lost sight of.
§ *(5.35.) THE FIRST LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY (Lord G. HAMILTON,) Middlesex, EalingI was unable to be present on the last occasion when this subject was referred to, and my right hon. Friend the Secretary for War was good enough to answer for me. A good I many naval officers object to the proposed change, but I, personally, cannot See why the change should not be made, and I will undertake to consider the matter and propose an Amendment to the Naval Discipline Act this Session or next, with the object of carrying it out. That Act is one which it is desirable for many reasons to alter as seldom as possible, and I cannot undertake that the 1348 matter in question will be dealt with this Session. Under any circumstances, however, it will not be lost sight of next Session.
§ (5.36.) MR. SHAW LEFEVRE (Bradford, Central)I trust the hon. Member for Kilkenny will remain satisfied with the assurance he has received from the noble Lord, particularly as the question does not properly arise under this Bill.
§ SIR J. POPE HENNESSYI am perfectly satisfied with the assurance of the noble Lord.
§ Bill read the third time, and passed.