HC Deb 14 February 1867 vol 185 cc336-7
MAJOR JERVIS

asked, Whether the attention of Her Majesty's Government has been drawn to the recent arrest in London, by the civil power, of two officers of Her Majesty's service, in consequence of a court martial recently held in Jamaica; whether, taking into consideration the grave and responsible duties imposed upon officers of the Army and Navy by the legislative enactments passed for the regulations of these services, and the result of the inquiries instituted by the War Department and the Admiralty with reference to the conduct of the officers of both these services during the recent disturbances in Jamaica, Her Majesty's Government purposed affording those officers who had been so arrested the fullest legal assistance?

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

I have no doubt whatever that when an officer in Her Majesty's service, obeying the commands of his superior officer, performs acts which are afterwards legally impugned, it will, of course, be the duty of the Government to defend him.