§ 19. Mr. Swinglerasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how many meetings have been held by the Pilcher Committee on naval courts martial; when he expects a report; and whether it will be published.
Mr. DugdaleMy noble Friend has consulted Mr. Justice Pilcher and understands that it has now become clear that in view of the wide scope of his Committee's inquiries a report dealing with the whole field of the administration of justice in the Navy cannot be expected for some time. He has, however, been informed that an interim report dealing with naval court martial procedure and with certain of the major points raised in the Lewis Committee report may be expected in about three months' time. I cannot, of course, undertake that this interim report will be published until the Government has had time to consider its major recommendations. I understand that the Committee have held 10 meetings to date.
§ Mr. SwinglerWill my hon. Friend bear in mind the assurance of the Minister of Defence that this matter of judicial reform in the Services will be dealt with in the lifetime of this Parliament, and that the implementation of the Lewis Report depends on the Report of this Committee?