§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (Mr. W. H. SMITH) (Strand, West-564 minster) I wish to be allowed to supplement an answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Portsmouth on Tuesday last, with reference to the allegation that certain officers who have been engaged in the Ordnance Department have held shares in public Companies concerned in the manufacture of guns. I wish to read the following letter which I have received from Sir Frederick Campbell:—
§ "August 25.
§ "Sir,—With reference to the Question asked in the House of Commons yesterday as to my holding shares in the Sir William Armstrong and Mitchell Company, during the period I held the appointment of Director of Artillery and Stores, I beg to assure you I held no shares in the Company named while I held that appointment. I left the War Office in February, 1883; in April, 1883, I purchased 15 shares in the Sir William Armstrong and Mitchell Company, but sold them in October, 1883; and it was only during that period, and while unemployed, that I had any connection with the Company.—Your obedient servant,
§ "F. A. CAMPBELL, General."
§ The practice at the Ordnance Department is to require every officer connected with it to cease any connection with any firm likely to become War Office contractors. This rule includes officers in any capacity whose duties call upon them to arrange contracts, or to engage in any matter which may involve personal considerations.