§ Mr. JOHN WARDasked the Secretary of State for War whether there were in 1908 7,306 district and general courts-martial resulting in 7,133 convictions, and 7,336 courts-martial resulting in 7,129 convictions and punishments in the British Army in 1909; and whether he proposes to take any action to reduce these figures?
§ Mr. HALDANEThe figures stated, which are correct, include regimental courts-martial. During the progress of the Army Annual Bill through the House I endeavoured to explain to the hon. Member that the whole object of the extension of the powers of the commanding officer under Section 46 of the Army Act provided for in Clause 4 of the Bill was to reduce courts-martial.