HC Deb 09 July 1902 vol 110 c1194
Colonel NOLAN (Galway, N.)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War if all the cadets of "C" Company at Sandhurst, who were able to prove that they were playing cricket at the time of the last fire, are permitted to pass their examinations for commissions; and whether all the cadets who affirmed that they were studying in their rooms for the impending examination when the fire broke out are rusticated, and will have their commissions dated subsequently to those of the cadets who were playing cricket.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (Mr. BRODRICK,) Surrey Guildford

All the cadets of" C" Company who could prove that they were not in a position to cause the last fire at Sandhurst were exempted by the Commander-in-Chief from rustication. As regards the cadets rusticated who were to undergo examination this term, the Commander-in-Chief is prepared to allow them to be examined during this month in London, so that, if subsequently cleared, they should lose no seniority in the Army. No promise can be given as to commissions in these cases pending discovery of the actual culprits.

MR. WILLIAM REDMOND (Clare, E.)

Have these cadets been proved guilty of anything?

* MR. SPEAKEE

Order, order ! That does not arise out of the Question.

Colonel NOLAN

inquired if the punishment would be removed in the case of cadets who could prove that they had nothing to do with the outdoor irregularity.

MR. BRODRICK

The fact of net being connected with the outdoor disturbance does not affect the decision of the Commander-in-Chief. The question is where the cadet was at the time of the last fire. A series of fires had occurred in the same block, and it is in connection with these that this Company was selected for punishment.