§ Mr. NIELDasked the Secretary of State for War whether he has considered the operation of Army Council Instruction No. 897 in its application to the forces which have come into being since the commencement of the War, and particularly since the Military Service Acts; whether, having regard to the fact that these forces are for the most part enrolled for the duration of the War, and are not therefore in the same category as the professional or permanent forces of the Crown, he will advise a modification of the instruction; and whether he will make a statement on the subject at an early date?
§ Mr. FORSTERArmy Council Instruction 897 merely called attention to the existing law and Regulations on the subject of complaints as laid down in Sections 42 and 46 of the Army Act and paragraphs 439 and 461 of the King's Regulations. In view of the fact that the right of the officer426W or soldier of obtaining redress if he considers himself wronged is BO carefully protected by Act of Parliament, I am not prepared to initiate any change in legislation in this respect.