HC Deb 13 March 1924 vol 170 c2622

I have shown that the War Office is taking a great deal of trouble with the training of the Army both in its technical and military aspect and in its more general educational aspect. This progress in training is reflected in and made possible by the health of the troops and the excellent state of discipline. The health of the troops continues to be most satisfactory, particularly as regards avoidable diseases, which shows a marked decrease during the year, in spite of the fact that we have saved money on medical services. The high state of discipline in the Army has enabled us to close detention barracks in Devonport and Colchester. The Provost Staff Corps has been greatly reduced, and the cost of maintaining the detention barracks I have mentioned has been eliminated. In order to ensure that the officers on courts-martial have best legal advice and the men who are brought before those courts can be sure of the fairest possible trial, a new Military and Air Force Department has been inaugurated in the Judge Advocate-General's Office, consisting of nine members, whose duties are to advise and assist officers responsible for conducting courts-martial, and in cases where the accused is not represented to advise as to the necessary steps to safeguard his interests.