Captain CRAIGasked the Secretary of State for War whether he can state if the Army Council have verified the bona fides of the various telegrams produced by Captain W. J. Webber in support of his claim for compensation?
The HON. and GALLANT MEMBERfurther asked: (1) Whether, in their consideration of Captain W. J. Webber's case, the Army Council took into account the services rendered by him at a difficult period in the operations in South Africa prior to his receipt of a commission; (2) whether the moneys expended by Captain W. J. Webber on the telegraphic instructions of his superior officer while on service during the South African War have yet been refunded to that officer, and, if not, would he say why this has not been done; (3) whether he can state if Captain W. J. Webber has had his commission confirmed, in accordance with the promise made by his superior officer while on active service in South Africa?
§ Mr. ACLANDFor reply, I must refer the hon. and gallant Member to the full reply on this case which I gave to the hon. Member for Norwood on the 1st August, 1908. I am afraid the matter cannot now be reopened, as every point raised by Mr. Webber has been exhaustively considered.
Captain CRAIGMay I ask with regard to Question (2) whether it is a fact that the answer referred to does not cover that case at all? I wish to know whether he has now received the money expended on the telegraphic instructions of his superior officer?
§ Mr. ACLANDThe question of expenses has been carefully considered, and it has received most exhaustive treatment.
Captain CRAIGMay I ask whether, in view of the very serious nature of this case, the hon. Gentleman will give an answer to Question (2), which has not been answered at all? Captain Webber was authorised to spend the money by the commanding officer, and that money has not yet been returned.
§ Mr. ACLANDI am strongly of opinion that that point has been completely covered.