§ MR. COURTHOPE (Sussex, Rye)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been directed to the judgment of Mr. Justice Walton in the case of "Samuel Brothers v. Colonel Wetherly's executors;" and whether he will take immediate steps either to remove the personal liability of Volunteer commanding officers for debts contracted by them on behalf of their corps, or to limit such liability to the amount by which such debts, contracted during any year or period of years, exceeded the capitation grants due to the corps during such year or period of years.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE For WAR (Mr. HALDANE, Haddington)My attention has been called to this case. This liability of commanding officers of Volunteer corps arises under statute law and can only be got rid of by statute. The Territorial and Reserve Forces Bill, of which I have given notice, will, it is hoped, provide for the removal of this personal liability from the commanding officers.