Captain FABERasked the Secretary of State for War if he would state whether he contemplates giving more power to officers commanding regiments as to their ability to inflict punishment on their men, and so get rid of the stigma which may attach itself to men who had been tried by court-martial?
§ Mr. HALDANEAn important provision to this effect is included in this year's Army Annual Bill, and has met with the approval of this House. It is not proposed to take any further steps in this direction until the full effect of the new provision (if it receives the sanction of Parliament) has been experienced.
Captain FABERIs it not a fact that the men infinitely prefer to be tried by commanding officers rather than courts-martial?
§ Mr. HALDANEI think that is so in the great majority of cases.