§ Mr. BALLANTINE (Coventry)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether Colonel Maitland, late in command of the 2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards, was allowed to be heard in his defence before the Court of Inquiry; whether he applied for a Court Martial; whether he resigned his command of his own free will, or under compulsion; and whether, when the Commander-in-Chief 708 examines the cases of the privates in the same battalion, who were sentenced to imprisonment, with a view of remitting part of their sentences, the case of Colonel Maitland will also be re-considered?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (Mr. E. STANHOPE, Lincolnshire, Horncastle)Before I answer this question, I wish to read to the House a letter I have received from Colonel Maitland—
Guards' Club, S.W., Aug. 7.Sir,—Having this forenoon seen a notice of a question proposed to be put by Mr. Ballantine regarding my case, I desire to represent as strongly as possible that I deprecate the action of anyone in bringing the case before the House, and that I should be glad if the questions were not put at all, and, if put, were not answered.I remain, yours faithfully,D. M. C. MAITLAND, Colonel.After hearing that letter, I wish to ask the hon. Member whether he still wishes me to answer the question?
§ MR. BALLANTINECertainly, Sir.
§ MR. E. STANHOPEThe Court of Inquiry was conducted in accordance with the regulations, and I am not prepared to recommend the re-consideration of the case of Colonel Maitland.