§ Sir H. Williamsasked the Attorney-General, having regard to the fact that desertion from the Armed Forces of the Crown is an offence under the Army and Air Force Annual Act, under what authority it is proposed to stay proceedings in 132W respect of which there is prima facie evidence having regard to the explicit terms of the Bill of Rights that such a course is illegal without the consent of Parliament.
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe Army and Air Councils have absolute discretion under the Annual Act in respect of the institution and conduct of proceedings for military offences. The exercise of that discretion could not in my opinion, in any circumstances involve a contravention of the Bill of Rights.