HC Deb 16 February 1905 vol 141 c328
MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether Sir Francis Jeune still continues to discharge the duties of Judge Advocate-General; if not, when did he resign that position, and by whom are the duties appertaining to the office of Judge Advocate-General discharged; and whether, having regard to the fact of the importance of the revision of the sentences of Courts martial and the adjudication of questions of military law to the liberty of the subject, it is contemplated to restore the office of Judge Advocate-General to its former position of a Ministerial office whose holder will be responsible to Parliament and subject to Parliamentary criticism for his official acts.

THE PRIME MINISTER AND FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR, Manchester, E.)

Lord St. Heliers still discharges the duties of Judge Advocate-General. I have no statement to make at present as to any change in the office.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the duties have never before been discharged by a Peer?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I was not aware I of the fact. But it does not seem to me very important.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

Well, I am aware of it.