§ MR. HANBURY (Preston)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to a letter in the Times newspaper of 6th November, written by Colonel Lonsdale Hale, and pointing to repeated irregularities in Army examinations, a practice which, it is stated, "threatens to sap the honour of the British Army;" what steps he has taken to obtain information as to these alleged irregularities; and whether it is intended to alter the system of examination for Militia Subalterns who are candidates for direct commissions by handing it over to Civil Service Commissioners or otherwise?
* THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (Mr. CAMPBELL-BANNEBMAN,) Stirling, &c.My attention had been drawn, before the appearance of the letter quoted, to the subject to which the hon. Member refers, and an investigation of the alleged occurrence is now taking place. Arrangements, if found necessary, will be made which would prevent anything of the sort happening m future.
§ MR. HANBURYMy right hon. Friend speaks of the alleged occurrence; but Colonel Hale's letter refers to actual occurrences. Can he give the House no information as to them?
MR, CAMPBELL-BANNERMANIf my hon. Friend prefers "occurrences" to "occurrence," I will say "occurrences." The whole matter is being inquired into.