HC Deb 10 April 1940 vol 359 cc605-6

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Clause stand part of the Bill."

Mr. Lawson

The Committee are asked to give consent to the existence of the Army, and the fact that this comes during a war of this magnitude makes it rather a unique occasion. But the Bill is naturally linked to the question of discipline, and I was wondering whether the right hon. Gentleman on this Clause had anything to say to us about the conduct of the troops in general. I have been very much surprised that, although there are, I believe, over a million men who have been taken into the Army for the first time, there has been very little complaint, as far as I know, about the discipline of the troops, and no complaint about the conduct of any court-martial. I think that one could have expected such complaints in view of the fact that so many young men from civilian life have for the first time submitted themselves to Army discipline.

The Chairman

I must interrupt the hon. Member again. I am afraid that it is impossible to get all that he wants to say in Order on this Clause. It would be in Order no doubt on the Third Reading, which will follow directly, and will give him much wider scope.

Mr. Lawson

I thought that my remarks would rather apply to the Preamble of the Bill, and I am very much obliged to you, Sir Dennis, for giving me guidance in this matter, and the opportunity, at the proper stage, to ask the Minister for information upon discipline and conduct in general, and upon the conduct of courts-martial. I will therefore leave the matter where it is at the moment.

The Chairman

If the hon. Member is anxious to raise these matters, they may possibly come on the Preamble, but I am afraid that in that case they will have to come after the new Clause which stands on the Order Paper.

Question put, and agreed to.