47. Mr. L. WILLIAMSasked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the increase in the number of courts-martial and the change in the character of the Army, he will take steps to simplify and modernise the procedure of these Courts so as to bring it into conformity with that of the ordinary Criminal Courts; to provide that at least one member of such Courts and every judge advocate shall be an officer who has had some years' experience in active practice as a lawyer; and to give to the accused a similar right of appeal to a military tribunal as is enjoyed by a person charged in the ordinary Criminal Courts to the Court of Criminal Appeal?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIt is not considered desirable at the present time to make any alteration in the procedure of courts-martial, which is simple and with which military officers are conversant. Whenever possible the services of officers with previous legal experience are and will be utilised to the fullest extent. No alteration of the law with regard to the right of appeal is contemplated.