§ 3. Mr. Boyd-Carpenterasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether consideration of the first report of the Naval Court Martial Committee has now been concluded.
§ Mr. CallaghanNo, Sir. As I informed the hon. Member on 15th March, this report is now under consideration. Its recommendations are being correlated with those of the Lewis Committee Report and the other Services are being consulted. The views of the Governments of Australia and New Zealand are also being sought as the Royal Australian and New Zealand Navies base their disciplinary code on that of the Royal Navy.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterWhile appreciating the difficulties of the Government in coming to a decision, may I ask the hon. Gentleman what is the objection to publishing this report, so that hon. Members may assist the Government in making up their mind?
§ Mr. CallaghanI believe that it is usual for publication and the announcement of the Government's decision on these matters to take place at the same time.