§ Mr. Bostonasked the Secretary of State for Defence to what extent the recommendations of the Select Committee on the 1966 Armed Forces Bill will be implemented in the next Armed Forces Bill.
§ Mr. ReynoldsWe intend that the next Armed Forces Bill, which will be prepared in the light of the recommendations of the 1966 Select Committee, shall continue the process of harmonisation of Service law begun by the 1966 Armed Forces Act.
65WA detailed review of every clause of the existing Service Acts to this end will be a formidable task and we have therefore decided that it must be tackled in stages. The Bill we aim to introduce in the 1970–71 Session will, as a beginning, prescribs a common code of discipline and punishment for the three Services, with common disciplinary procedures where these can and should be harmonised. We shall have proper regard for the differing circumstances, requirements and, unless efficiency dictates otherwise, the traditions of each Service.
This operation, which will cover about half the material in the present Service Acts, will be a major step towards our ultimate aim of a common code of Service law. At the same time, it will be necessary to renew and, where necessary, amend the remaining provisions in the present Service Acts.