§ MR. HANBURY (Preston)asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether the two men who, since Mr. Dunn gave evidence before the Judge Advocate General disclosing certain scandals which the superior officials had failed to notice, have been promoted over his head to the post of viewer, were so promoted on the ground of better qualification for the post; whether, on promotion, they were both found to be fitted for it; whether the Judge Advocate General reported that Mr. Dunn lately worked as a viewer (though without viewer's wages)
for 11 months, and did his work very well. No complaint whatever was made against him. Having seen him examine a variety of articles, and give his opinion upon them, I am convinced he understands his business thoroughly. When I come to deal with the hides, pack saddles, bags, and other articles, it will be 102 found that their opinions (those of Mr. Dunn and two others) are supported by the independent experts more than even those of Mr. Spice himself,the Inspector who had refused them the post of permanent viewers; whether the Inspector of Saddlery is Captain Horton, an ex-Riding Master, who reported in August, 1887, that a large number of saddles were serviceable which in September were condemned by the experts called in by the Judge Advocate General in consequence of the objections of Mr. Dunn; and, whether, having already intervened to prevent any undue punishment of another workman, Hawkins, described by the Judge Advocate General as "utterly unreliable," and "not a man fit for a place of responsibility and trust," the Secretary of State will, under the peculiar and exceptional circumstances of Mr. Dunn's case, again intervene to prevent a workman who has rendered at some risk a great public service from being denied that promotion for which the Judge Advocate General himself specially reported his capability and fitness?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. E. STANHOPE) (Lincolnshire, Horncastle)In answer to the first two Questions, the men promoted were bettor fitted for the position, and I am informed that they have so far worked satisfactorily. As regards the third Question, I have more than once expressed my acknowledgments to the Judge Advocate General for his very careful inquiry; but the responsibility for promotions in the Department rests with myself alone. The selection will be made by merit. As regards the fourth Question, it is not the fact that in the Judge Advocate General's Report a large number of saddles passed by Captain Horton were condemned. Captain Horton is a most competent officer. As regards the fifth Question, I do not admit the argumentative portion. I have always stated that full justice shall be done to Mr. Dunn; but his promotion will depend upon his application to the work which he has to do.
§ MR. HANBURYinquired, whether the right hon. Gentleman still refused to intervene and prevent Mr. Dunn being punished?
§ MR. E. STANHOPEsaid, that he had never refused to intervene. He would take care that full justice was 103 done to this man. More than that he could not say.