I move amendment No. 90 :—
After sub-section (5), to add a new sub-section as follows :—
(6) No non-commissioned officer shall be reduced to a lower substantive non-commissioned rank unless the reasons for his proposed reduction have been communicated to him in writing by his Commanding Officer and he is given an opportunity of submitting in writing to the Adjutant-General his objections to the reduction and, on consideration of the objections, the Adjutant-General confirms and authorises the reduction.
I have often thought it very unfair that an N.C.O., say a sergeant, could be reduced to the rank of private and have no redress except under the provision dealing with the redress of wrongs which in fact is no redress at all. If it is proposed to reduce him I think that he should be notified in writing by his Commanding Officer and have the right to submit an objection to his reduction and that that objection should go to the Adjutant-General who is the person, subject to the Minister, who deals with questions of rank. Then the Adjutant-General having heard the reasons for his objections could confirm the reduction and reduce him; in other words machinery should be given to the man to object to his reduction. I think that the principle should be accepted and that this is a fair amendment.