§ 2.41 p.m.
THE MARQUESS OF READINGMy Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper:
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have now received, and, if so, when they intend to publish, both Parts of the Report of the Committee set up under the Chairmanship of Mr. Justice Pilcher to inquire into the administration of justice in the Royal Navy.]
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY (VISCOUNT HALL)My Lords, the First Part of the Report of the Naval Courts-Martial Committee will be published as a Command Paper on Monday next. The Second Part, which was only recently received, is still under consideration. I should like to take this opportunity of expressing the thanks of the Board of Admiralty to Mr. Justice Pilcher and his colleagues for the admirable way in which they have dealt with this complicated subject.
THE MARQUESS OF READINGMy Lords, may I ask the noble Viscount a supplementary question? If my recollection is right, it is considerably over a year since this Committee was appointed 520 —I think it was in February, 1949-and some time ago we had a discussion on this matter. Are we never in the near future to get to a situation in which we can compare this Report with the Lewis Report, and arrive at some conclusion on the recommendations?
§ VISCOUNT HALLMy Lords, of course "never" is a long time, and the noble Marquess will see the first Report on Monday.
§ VISCOUNT HALLThe more important Part, if I may say so.
§ VISCOUNT HALLThat was received about three weeks ago. It takes some time to give consideration to such a Report, and to consult with the Commonwealth countries whose naval disciplinary systems are based upon our own. When these consultations have taken place, then the noble Marquess will be able to see the other half of the Report.
THE MARQUESS OF READINGMy Lords, then may I ask one other question? Will the noble Viscount assure us that there will be sufficient time for examination of the two Parts of the Pilcher Report and for comparison with the Lewis Report before we have the Bill setting up courts of appeal which was forecast in the gracious Speech?
§ VISCOUNT HALLMy Lords, J. am hopeful that that will be possible. The noble Marquess will realise that the Second Part of the Pilcher Report deals with summary punishments which are peculiar to the Royal Navy. It will not affect the matters which are intended to be covered by the Bill to be introduced.