§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the Transvaal Press commented strongly on the remarks made by the Chief Justice of the Transvaal with reference to the War Office goods sold by Colonel Morgan for £300, which were resold for £1,800, of which a third, or a sum of £600, was paid to Colonel 1459 Morgan's brother; whether Colonel Morgan has instituted proceedings against English newspapers at the suggestion, direct or indirect, of the War Office; if so, why were not proceedings taken against the Transvaal Press, and what steps has the War Office taken to ascertain the value of these goods sold by Colonel Morgan; and whether, having regard to the position held by Colonel Morgan as director of supplies for the Army during the war, steps will be taken by the War Office for the investigation of this matter.
§ MR. ARNOLD-FORSTERI have already informed the hon. Member that the War Office will not take any action in this matter, until the case brought by Colonel Morgan has been decided in Court, and I have nothing to add to this statement. In the meanwhile I am not in a position to reply to the further Questions put by the hon. Member.
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLWas it not at the instigation of the War Office that these proceedings were taken by Colonel Morgan?
§ MR. ARNOLD-FORSTERNot in any way.
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLHaving regard to the allegation that these stores were misappropriated, will not an independent inquiry be held by the War Office authorities?
§ MR. ARNOLD-FORSTERI do not propose to form any opinion until the case has been decided in Court.