HC Deb 23 February 1905 vol 141 cc1086-7
MR. CHARLES HOBHOUSE (Bristol,E.)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether any, and, if so, what report was made by the General Officer Commanding in South Africa on the case of Colonel Morgan of the Army Service Corps; whether Colonel Morgan has brought any action against persons in connection with alleged improper sale of warlike stores in South Africa; if so, what has been the result of such action; what action has the Secretary of State taken in regard to Colonel Morgan's alleged relation to this matter.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (Mr. ARNOLD-FORSTER, Belfast, W.)

I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave the hon. Member on July 5th † last, with the exception that the case has not yet come into Court.

MR. CHARLES HOBHOUSE

Is there any anticipation that the case will be brought into Court?

MR. ARNOLD-FORSTER

Yes, Sir, I believe it will very shortly.

† See (4) Debates, exxxvii., 634.
MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

Is it not the fact that the right hon. Gentleman, on behalf of the War Office, refused to put Colonel Morgan under an obligation to bring the action, and is it not likewise a fact that the Chief Justice of the Transvaal accused him of malversation of public funds?

MR. SPEAKER

Order, order!

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

Yes, Sir, I think I am in order. May I read an Answer given by the right hon. Gentleman on this question on August 2nd—

MR. SPEAKER

No, that would be very irregular. Notice must be given of any further Question.