§ MR. HANBURY (Preston)asked the Secretary of State for War, Of what nature was the "open arrest" to which Major Templer was for several weeks subjected; to what portion of the manufacture in connection with balloons did the secrets which he was charged with revealing relate; what other moneys were paid to detectives, as pay for themselves or for the purpose of obtaining witnesses, in addition to those paid to the Aclands, either by the War Office or the Treasury; whether any apology has bean tendered to Major Templer by the War Office, or any reparation is to be made to him; when the inquiry now being held is expected to be concluded; and, whether the evidence and Report will be made public?
§ COLONEL EYRE (Lincolnshire, Gainsborough)asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether he has yet been able to consider all the circumstances connected with the recent Court Martial on Major Templer; and, if so, what conclusion he has arrived at?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. E. STANHOPE) (Lincolnshire, Horncastle)The open arrest to which Major Tem- 1725 pler was subjected was that laid down in the Queen's Regulations. The hon. Member is probably aware that arrest is of two kinds—"close" and "open." In answer to the second Question I cannot, in the interests of the Public Service, give the exact detail of the secret which he was charged with revealing; but it relates to certain processes connected with the skins of which the balloon is made. In answer to the third Question, I am informed from the Metropolitan Police Office that the only other moneys referred to will be the expenses of the one detective employed, who will receive his usual pay and allowances for the days he was engaged. In answering the remaining Questions, I may be allowed to answer also that of my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for the Gainsborough Division on the same subject. I was unwilling to make any general statement until I had had time to receive Reports on the proceedings, and to consider the whole of the circumstances connected with the Court Martial. The House is, perhaps, not aware that as soon as the War Office was advised that a primâ facie case existed the whole conduct of the proceedings was handed over to the Solicitor to the Treasury, whose Report I have received to-day. I have now considered the whole matter, with the assistance of my Military Advisers. There can be no doubt that, although the War Office was advised that a primâ facie case existed, the result of the Court Martial has absolutely cleared Major Templer from the slightest suspicion of any sort or kind. I have seen Major Templer, and expressed to him my satisfaction that he should have so completely vindicated his character; and I need scarcely add that, in common with everyone else, I regret the grave inconveniences and anxiety to which he has been subjected. He will resume his duties at Chatham with the full confidence of the Government, and will be re-imbursed any expenses which this inquiry may have entailed upon him. With respect to Major Elsdale, we are of opinion that, while there appears to be no ground for attributing to Major Elsdale any other motive than that of zeal for the Public Service, it is not desirable that he should be retained at Chatham, and he will accordingly be transferred to other duties.
§ MR. HANBURYMay I asked who advised the War Office that a primâ facie case had been made out?
§ MR. E. STANHOPEWe were so advised by the Judge Advocate General's Department, and the Report on the subject was signed by the Deputy Judge Advocate General.
§ MR. HANBURYThen I beg to give Notice that I shall move a reduction of the salary of the Judge Advocate General.