HC Deb 20 February 1902 vol 103 cc575-6
MR. CHAPLIN (Lincolnshire, Sleaford)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War if he can state how long ago it is since he brought to the notice of the Commander-in-Chief certain circumstances in connection with General Truman's control of the Remount Department, which caused him to have doubts as to the capacity of General Truman to fill that post.

MR. BRODRICK

I trust my right hon. friend will not think me guilty of any discourtesy if I say that I must reserve any further expression of my opinion until the Court of Inquiry on General Truman has reported, and I must therefore decline to answer this Question or any others on the same subject.

MR. CHAPLIN

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that he has already made a statement upon this subject? I put this question on the Paper in fairness to General Truman.

MR. BRODRICK

Unfortunately, a statement unauthorized by General Truman was communicated in another place, which gave some account of the circumstances which preceded the appointment of this Court of Inquiry. Then it became my duty, having previously refused to give any information, in fairness to General Truman, to give as correct an account as I could of what had taken place. I carefully avoided giving details which would in any way come before the Court of Inquiry, and I must adhere to that view.

MR. CHAPLIN

Is it not the case that the right hon. Gentleman has already stated in the House of Commons that some time ago he had grave doubts as to the capacity of General Truman? Upon that I wish to ask a Question, which seems to me to be only fair in the interests of General Truman—how long ago is it since he entertained those doubts?

* MR. SPEAKER

That is the very Question on the Paper to which the right hon. Gentleman has refused to give any further answer.