HC Deb 14 October 1976 vol 917 cc757-8

Lords amendment: No. 58, in page 44, line 10, leave out paragraph 4.

Mr. Wellbeloved

I beg to move, That this House doth agree with the Lords in the said amendment.

Mr. Speaker

With this amendment we shall discuss Lords Amendments Nos. 59 to 63.

Mr. Wellbeloved

Perhaps I may make a brief mention of Amendments Nos. 58 and 59 which deal with bringing a civilian to trial before the standing civilian court. This is complex because of the elaborate structure of the 1955 Acts, and because it has to be done so that the other ways which exist of dealing with civilians under these Acts—by court martial or by appro- priate superior authority—are not disturbed. These amendments will introduce the intentions concerning procedures for trial by the new courts much more simply and effectively by allowing for them to be prescribed within the two Statutory Instruments.

I commend the amendments to the House.

Mr. Ronald Bell

As this is the last group of Lords amendments, I should like to take this opportunity of congratulating the hon. Gentleman on his batting, which has done credit to this House and compares very favourably with that in the other Chamber.

Mr. Wellbeloved

I thank the hon. and learned Gentleman for those kind remarks. As a non-lawyer, it is always a matter of some concern when at the Dispatch Box one faces serious, but welcome, legislation changing the law affecting the Armed Forces.

I should like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to my noble Friend Lord Winterbottom who guided this somewhat complicated piece of legislation so efficiently through the other place. Various questions of legal detail were thrust upon him during the passage of the Bill. I may say that his considerable labours are greatly appreciated by me because they were of tremendous assistance in getting greater clarity.

I am delighted that the House has agreed to these amendments so expeditiously. I know that the Armed Forces of Britain will greatly welcome the changes that have been brought about in the procedures, and I am grateful.

Question put and agreed to.

Remaining Lords amendments agreed to.