§ MR. D. SULLIVAN (Westmeath, S.)(for Sir THOMAS ESMONDS) (Dublin Co., S.) asked the Secretary of State for War, If Gunner S. Hogben, of I Battery, A Brigade, Royal Horse Artillery, stationed at Portobello Barracks, Dublin, who was lately decreed for the amount due by him to a local trader, has paid the amount of the decree; and, if not, whether the Government will either compel him to pay the amount due, or indemnify his creditors?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. E. STANHOPE) (Lincolnshire, Horncastle)I must decline, Sir, to enter into this case. By Section 144 of the Army Act the law deliberately exempts a soldier from the pressure for the payment of his debts which can be applied to a civilian. Tradesmen are well aware of this provision; and if, in the face of it, they allow soldiers credit they must do so at their own risk.