HC Deb 03 July 1905 vol 148 cc765-6
MR. WHITLEY (Halifax)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War at what date did the War Office become aware of the fact that on October 26th, 1902, the Sales Department in South Africa accepted a tender for surplus stores from a person named Saunders employed in that Department; and what action was taken with regard to the officer who ordered or permitted this irregularity.

MR. ARNOLD-FORSTER

This is one of the questions which will come within the purview of the Royal Commission.

MR. WHITLEY

said the first part of his Question had simply reference to the date.

MR. ARNOLD-FORSTER

said this, with the other questions in reference to the subject, would be a matter of inquiry.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

Do the War Office not know whether they are guilty or innocent until they are tried?

MR. CHURCHILL (Oldham)

Is all information to be withheld from the House simply because these matters are to form the subject of inquiry?

MR. ARNOLD-FORSTER

I imagine that all matters which will be at issue before the Commissioners should be left to them.

MR. CHURCHILL

said he could not understand why the House should not have a plain Answer to a simple Question.