HC Deb 11 July 1950 vol 477 cc1113-4
1. Mr. Osborne

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will take the necessary steps to secure that notification is given by the competent Army authorities to the Press of the time and place of pending courts-martial.

The Secretary of State for War (Mr. Strachey)

Arrangements have been made for notice of forthcoming Army courts-martial to be posted at, or near, the headquarters at which they are convened.

Mr. Osborne

Why were not these arrangements made previously by the Army authorities, since they have been made by the two other Services?

Mr. Strachey

I should have to have notice of that question as it goes into the past, but I quite agree that they should be made now.

Mr. Driberg

Does my right hon. Friend's answer indicate a definite change of policy in this matter, since there has been a good deal of doubt and even distortion about it?

Mr. Strachey

It means a change of procedure, at any rate.