HC Deb 18 July 1950 vol 477 cc2013-4
15. Brigadier Clarke

asked the Secretary of State for War the procedure by which the Army Council come to decisions on appeals submitted to them for arbitration.

Mr. Strachey

Such appeals, together with a statement of the case, are considered by at least three members of the Army Council.

Brigadier Clarke

Is the Secretary of State in a position to overrule an otherwise unanimous decision of the Army Council?

Mr. Strachey

I should have to have notice of that question, although no such occurrence has taken place in the case which I think the hon. and gallant Member has in mind.

Commander Noble

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Secretary of State has one vote the same as everyone else on the Army Council?

Mr. Strachey

I think it would be inappropriate to go into the procedure of the Army Council by question and answer. If the hon. and gallant Member wishes to go into the procedure, he had better put down a Question.

Major Beamish

Can the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that he has not exercised his power to overrule a majority decision of the Army Council in any personal case since he has held his office?

Mr. Strachey

I would not attempt to give such an assurance on the Floor of the House, but in any case, the case which is being raised by the hon. and gallant Member who put down this Question did not arise during my period of office.