HC Deb 05 July 1950 vol 477 cc474-5
46. Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

asked the Minister of Defence whether he will now say what action is being taken to reform court martial procedure.

The Minister of Defence (Mr. Shinwell)

The Service Ministers and I are at present considering both the outstanding recommendations of the Lewis Committee on Army and Air Force Courts-Martial and the first report of the Pilcher Committee on Naval Courts-Martial. The very important and complex issues involved are being dealt with as quickly as possible.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

In view of the considerable delay that has already taken place in this matter, will my right hon. Friend request the Admiralty to move with the other Service Departments so that all these reports can be produced simultaneously and as quickly as possible by all the Services?

Mr. Shinwell

My hon. and gallant Friend's Question shows that he realises how complex this issue is.