§ 31. Mr. R. McNEILLasked the Secretary of State for War whether a Court of Inquiry has yet been set up under the Army Act Amendment Act; if so, will he say who have been appointed to act upon it; whether the Press will be admitted to the proceedings; and whether the minutes of evidence and the decision of the Court will be published?
§ Mr. FORSTERMy right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State gave the names of the members of the Court of Inquiry yesterday in reply to the hon. Member for Kirkcaldy Burghs. The proceedings will be held in private and the minutes will not be published. It will be for subsequent consideration whether the opinion, if any, recorded by the Court, or the decision thereon of the Army Council (with whom the decision rests), or both, will be published.
§ Mr. McNEILLHaving regard to the fact that the Court is purposely set up so as to deal with the rights of civilians, is there any reason why the inquiry should be held in camera?
§ Mr. FORSTERI understand the matter has been very carefully considered by the Secretary of State, and this is the decision at which he has arrived.
§ Mr. ASHLEYIf the Court was set up by an Act of Parliament, ought not Parliament to be informed what the decision of the Court is?
§ Mr. FORSTERI will represent that to my right hon. Friend.
§ Mr. HOGGEIn view of the facts which are being considered, was it worth while to 1849 pass an Army Act in order to add to this Court of Inquiry a Member of this House who is an official?