§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILL (Donegal, S.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War, what explanation, if any, can be given for the fact that on his return from South Africa General Buller was praised in an Army Order, notwithstanding the knowledge of the Government of the heliogram to Ladysmith and of Lord Roberts' opinion of the Spion Kop operations; and can he explain why Sir Redvers Buller was given command of the First Army Corps, having regard to the statement of the Secretary of State for War that the commanders should be ready and able to take the field.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (Mr. BRODRICK,) Surrey, GuildfordI understand that the right hon. gentleman the Member for Berwick-on-Tweed intends to raise the question of Sir Redvers Buller's position on the Vote for my salary, when I shall be prepared to fully justify the conduct of the Government in regard to him.
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLThe right hon. Gentleman will have a hard job.