HL Deb 24 April 1923 vol 53 cc820-1

Read 3a (according to Order).

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (THE EARL OF DERBY)

My Lords, the other day I stated that, in accordance with a pledge given in another place, I would introduce, an Amendment giving effect to a change in procedure which had been agreed to in the other House. I beg to move the Amendment.

Amendment moved—

After Clause 11 insert the following new clause:—

Amendment of Section 44. (. In proviso (5) to Section forty-four of the Army Act (which prescribes the scale of punishment by courts martial) after the word "flogging" there shall be inserted the words "or attachment to a fixed object.")—(The Earl of Derby.)

LORD BUCKMASTER

I should like to ask what the Amendment is?

THE EARL OF DERBY

I explained it the other day. It is to do away with field punishment No. 1, which enabled you to tie a man to a fixed object. This can be done away with by War Office Regulation, but it was urged that it should also be included in the Statute. For that purpose I have, with the agreement of the other House, thought it desirable to move this Amendment.

On Question, Amendment agreed to.

Bill passed, and returned to the Commons.