Written question asked by Robert Key (Conservative) on Tuesday, 3 June 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 9 June 2003. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Monday, 9 June 2003 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans he has to replace the Armed Forces Acts with a tri-service Act; and if he will make a statement on progress towards publication of a Bill in 2005.

Answer: Mr. Key: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to replace the Armed Forces Acts with a tri-service Act; and if he will make a statement on progress towards publication of a Bill in 2005. [117327] Mr. Ingram: The Strategic Defence Review indicated our intention to replace the Army and Air Force Acts 1955 and the Naval Discipline Act 1957 (the Service discipline acts) with a tri-Service Act. Work is proceeding on this project, which has the purpose of providing a legislative framework better capable of meeting the needs of armed forces that increasingly operate together. The next five-yearly Armed Forces Bill, which will be needed to extend the life of the Service discipline acts, is due in the 2005-06 session. However, it will be understood that no commitments can be given at this stage as to when the tri-Service legislation might be introduced, as this will be subject to the availability of Parliamentary time.

Secondary information