Naval Discipline Act (Select Committee)

HC Deb 15 June 1955 vol 542 c561

2. Mr. Swingler

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty when he will move for the appointment of a Select Committee on the Naval Discipline Act.

4. Mr. Ian Harvey

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what action he proposes to take in order to bring the Naval Discipline Act into line with the revised Army and Air Force Acts.

Mr. J. P. L. Thomas

I hope that it will be possible to set up a Select Committee on the Naval Discipline Act very soon now.

Mr. Swingler

While we are all very grateful to the First Lord for acceding to our request to inquire into this obsolete instrument, may I ask whether he is aware that it is necessary to proceed with the utmost expedition because the Navy is way behind the Army and the Air Force?

Mr. Thomas

I think the House will feel that I have given a reasonable reply, in view of the fact that the House has just met after an Election. I can assure the hon. Gentleman that the matter is in hand and that there is no cause for complaint about delay.