HC Deb 26 June 1884 vol 289 cc1399-400
DR. CAMERON

asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether his attention has been called to a statement in The Birmingham Daily Post, attributed to the Mayor of Lichfield, in connection with the Yeomanry disturbances at Lichfield, to the effect that what had occurred "was only what had taken place in former years;" and, whether he will direct that the inquiry which he has ordered shall extend to the general conduct of the Corps while in training for some years past?

COLONEL LEVETT

also asked, whether it was not the fact that during the last five years the confidential Reports of the officers respecting the Staffordshire Yeomanry had been, both as to discipline and general conduct, highly satisfactory and creditable to the regiment?

THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTON

In reply to the Questions of the hon. and gallant Member for Lichfield (Colonel Levett), I have to state that the regiment did not train in 1879. The Reports for the last four years have been very satisfactory. In reply to the Question of the hon. Member for Glasgow (Dr. Cameron), I have to state that my attention has been called by the hon. Member to the statement in question; but I do not see that any advantage would arise from the extension of the inquiry suggested by the hon. Member.

DR. CAMERON

asked whether it was true that the inquiry would be conducted in private?

THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTON

said, he was not aware of the circumstances under which the inquiry would be conducted; but he had seen a statement in the newspapers to the effect that it would be private.

DR. CAMERON

gave Notice that he should call attention to the subject on an early date.