§ GENERAL LAURIEI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether there is any authority to which officers of the Army may appeal when they consider themselves aggrieved by the action of their superior officers; and what steps 76 such aggrieved officers are permitted to take to obtain an inquiry into their complaint.
§ MR. ARNOLD-FORSTERAn officer who thinks himself wronged by his Commanding Officer may appeal to the General Officer Commanding, and if he thinks himself wronged by the General Officer Commanding in respect of his complaint not being redressed, may demand that it be forwarded to the Army Council. The Army Council examine into such complaint and give their decision thereon. If the officer considers that his complaint is still unredressed he may appeal to the Sovereign, which appeal will be submitted by the Secretary of State for War.
§ GENERAL LAURIEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that until very lately the Military Secretary received upwards of 100 officers every week to enable them to lay before him any points on which they were aggrieved, and that the Commander-in-Chief also held periodical levees for the same purpose? Is there now any opportunity afforded for personal statements?
§ MR. ARNOLD-FORSTERI can assure my hon. and gallant friend that complaints are constantly received and dealt with, and no privilege has been taken away from the officers.