HC Deb 19 September 1950 vol 478 cc205-6W
59. Mr. M. Lindsay

asked the Minister of Defence if he will give an assurance that all officers and men, including those serving under National Service engage-

Majesty's Government and they have agreed in principle that a courts-martial Appeal Court should be established for all three Services, and that the necessary legislation for this purpose should be prepared, with a view to the introduction of a Bill next Session. This is in hand, but a good many details still remain to be settled. A fuller statement will be made in due course and this will cover many of the subsidiary recommendations of the Committees which depend, directly or indirectly, on the exact constitution and powers of the Appeal Court. Certain other recommendations of the Committees affecting courts-martial procedure are still under consideration.

Mr. Blackburn

asked the Secretary of State for War when he will introduce legislation for the revision of the courts-martial system in the light of the recommendations of the Lewis Committee.

Mr. Strachey

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given today by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Defence to the hon. and gallant Member for Stockport (Wing Commander Hulbert).