HC Deb 03 February 1908 vol 183 cc507-8
MR. LEA (St. Pancras, E.)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether the legal expenses incurred by Colonel Cavendish, Major Corkran, and Major Hardy, in the recent court of inquiry held at Chelsea Barracks, were paid for by the public; and, if so, what was the amount so paid, and on whose authority were the payments made.

MR. HALDANE

The legal expenses of these officers are being paid by the public from Army Votes. The payments are made on the authority of the Army Council and with the sanction of the Treasury. The amount was £491 6s.

MR. LEA

inquired why this sanction was given by the Army Council, having regard to the fact that Lieutenant Wood was told by the military authorities that expenses would not be charged to public funds.

MR. HALDANE

So far as Lieutenant Wood was concerned, no doubt that was so; but in regard to these officers, Lieutenant Wood brought a charge of something like conspiracy against them, and in a most improper letter charges were set out, against which these officers had to defend themselves, and the Army Council and the Treasury took the view, in which, I think, public opinion will support them, that these officers should not be subjected to the expenses, in view of the fact that the charges were not proved.

SIR A. ACLAND-HOOD (Somersetshire, Wellington)

Will there be a Supplementary Estimate?

MR. HALDANE

No, I think not.