HC Deb 24 February 1893 vol 9 cc323-4
MR. LABOUCHERE (Northampton)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether eight non-commissioned officers have been discharged from the 1st Life Guards; what were the grounds for this; whether any inquiry was held respecting the allegations against these men; and, if so, whether any opportunity was given to them to reply to any such allegations; and whether, in view of these dismissals from the service of Her Majesty, any steps have been taken, or, if not, will be taken, to inquire into the state of discipline in the regiment, and the responsibility of the commanding and other officers in connection therewith?

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

The non-commissioned officers discharged from the 1st Life Guards were discharged for the good of the Service, not on the ground of any specific charges, but on account of general neglect of duty. Steps have been taken to inquire into the state of discipline of the regiment and the responsibility of the commanding and other officers.

MR. LABOUCH

Had these non-commissioned officers an opportunity of defending themselves?

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

No; I have said there were no specific charges made against them, and, therefore, they had no opportunity of replying. The neglect of duty was patent and obvious.

MR. LABOUCHERE

Have they lost the chance of a pension?

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

They have lost no chance of pension to which they were entitled. Those of them who came within the pensonable age have received pensions.