§ 20. Major NEWMANasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he will take means to draw the attention of Members of Parliament to Army Council Instruction No. 897, which forbids officers 709 and men of the Army from bringing forward grievances through the medium of solicitors or of Members of Parliament; and does this instruction apply to officers on half pay or in the Reserve of Officers, and to men in the Army Reserve not yet called up for service?
§ Mr. TENNANTThe instructions in question were addressed to persons who are subject to the Army Act, and, in these circumstances, I have no doubt where soldiers disobey the King's Regulations and are dealt with accordingly, they will, themselves, bring the matter to the attention of third parties who have interested themselves on their behalf, with a view to interventions by third parties ceasing. The answer to the last part of the question is that if and when the officers and men mentioned are subject to the Army Act, the instructions in question will apply to them.
§ Mr. MORRELLCan the right hon. Gentleman give us an assurance that no soldier will ever be put in a worse position by bringing forward his grievance through the medium of a Member of this House?
§ Mr. TENNANTWell, Sir, I cannot give any such undertaking, but, of course, such is not intended. If, however, a soldier were to continue to do what is laid down as a contravention of the Regulations, then I cannot say that he would not deserve some punishment.
§ Mr. HOGGEArising out of that, can my right hon. Friend tell us why soldiers who are also Members of this House can do this kind of thing in the House, and our constituents cannot do it through us?