HC Deb 02 August 1888 vol 329 cc1214-5
MR. BROADHURST (Nottingham, W.)

asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether it is true that Mr. Dunn, a witness in the recent exposures of the scandals in the Saddlery Inspection Department at Woolwich, has recently been twice passed over for the appointment of viewer in favour of two men, both of whom are his juniors in the Service; and, if so, who is responsible for this treatment; and, whether Mr. Dunn is referred to in the Judge Advocate General's Report as a person who thoroughly understood his business?

MR. HANBURY (Preston)

also asked, Whether the Judge Advocate General had not stated that, in his opinion, Mr. Dunn, as a viewer, was a far more valuable man than Inspector Spicer himself; and, whether he would interfere to prevent Mr. Dunn from being unjustly punished?

THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. E. STANHOPE) (Lincolnshire, Horncastle)

As to the Question whether I will interfere to prevent the improper punishment of Mr. Dunn, I have already denied that there has been, or can be, any improper punishment inflicted in his case. If the hon. Member wishes for further information on the matter, I must request him to give me Notice in the usual way. With regard to the Question on the Paper, I have to say that of the two men who were the principal witnesses in the recent inquiry at Woolwich, one (Moody) is shortly to be promoted. The other (Dunn) has been passed over in favour of men who were better fitted to become viewers.

MR. ARTHUR O'CONNOR (Donegal, E.)

asked, whether the right hon. Gentleman would undertake that, during his term of office, Mr. Dunn should not be a marked man?

MR. E. STANHOPE

He is not, and will not be, a marked man. I can undertake to say that full justice will be done him.

In answer to a further Question from Mr. HANBURY with regard to the Report of the Judge Advocate General,

MR. E. STANHOPE

said, that it was not to be expected that he carried the Report of the Judge Advocate General in his pocket. If the hon. Member desired further information on the subject, he must ask him to give Notice of his Question.