HC Deb 22 March 1900 vol 81 cc28-9
MR. SWIFT MACNEILL (Donegal, S.)

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether any investigation is to be made into the charges against Lord Methuen brought by Colonel Gough and other officers; and whether an inquiry demanded by Colonel Gough has been assented to by the War Office.

THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (Mr. WYNDHAM,) Dover

No charges have been brought against Lord Methuen by Colonel Gough, or any other officers. Colonel Gough has been informed that an inquiry will be held into his case, but that it cannot be held while the officers who will have to report are actively engaged in conducting operations in the field.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

As a matter of fact, is Colonel Gough not at present at home?

MR. WYNDHAM

I do not think that arises out of the question.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

Very well. I will put it to-morrow.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether the attention of the authorities of the War Office has been directed to the statement in Lord Methuen's despatch, with reference to the battle of Magersfontein, that General Wauchope had told him that he quite understood his orders, and made no further remark; and has Lord Methuen been asked whether Major-General Wauchope expressed his difference of opinion as to the scheme of operations which, in obedience to his commanding officer, he was ordered to carry out.

MR. WYNDHAM

The answer to the first question is in the affirmative, and to the second in the negative.