§ Mr. KempTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proposals he has made to allow senior noncommissioned officers to serve on courts martial. [30414]
§ Dr. ReidThe issue of membership of courts-martial was considered by the Select Committee on the Armed Forces Bill in 1996 although no firm proposals for change were made. I am pleased to announce that, following an extensive internal review initiated by the previous Administration, we have accepted the recommendation that membership of courts-martial be extended to Warrant Officers. This enhancement will make available to courts-martial the additional experience and judgment of Warrant Officers.
I welcome this recommendation as further evidence of the Services' willingness to embrace change while safeguarding the system of military justice which is essential to their effectiveness.
This change will require primary legislation and it is envisaged that the relevant amendments will be included in the 2001 Armed Forces Act. A decision in principle now will allow any necessary preparation and training to be set in hand by the Services.