Captain FABERasked the Secretary of State for War if he will state whether there has been a military inquiry into the death of the Rev. Nigel Hodgson during the Territorial sham fight at Guisborough; if the inquiry located and identified the detachment from which the bullets came; if he is aware that seven bullets were fired from the same detachment; has any inquiry elicited how the seven loaded cartridges came to be given out to the men; and whether the result of any inquiry will be published in full?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Haldane)A court of inquiry has been held. Although there is no actual proof, it appears probable from the evidence that some ball ammunition was used by the troops occupying the South Edge of Far Moor plantation. The troops in this plantation consisted of detachments of the 5th and 8th battalions West Yorks Regiment. There is evidence to show that three rounds of ball ammunition were fired. The evidence shows that no ball ammunition was issued, and that all the usual precautions prescribed by the regulations were observed. The question is being considered whether any additional precautions can be devised. It is not usual to publish the reports of courts of inquiry, but I shall be glad to give any information in my power to the hon. Member.
§ Mr. CARLILEIs it not the custom to examine the pouches of the men before they go on manœuvres of this character, so that the presence of ball cartridge might be detected?
§ Mr. HALDANEYes, that is usual; and that was done in this case, and there was no ball cartridge there at the time.
Captain FABERMay I use any information that the right hon. Gentleman gives me, because there is a great deal of feeling in the matter?
§ Mr. HALDANEI will see the hon. and gallant Member later on in the matter.
§ Mr. H. W. FORSTERIs there any information as to how this ball ammunition came to be used?
§ Mr. HALDANEThere is no information as to how the ball cartridge came to be used nor who it was that fired it.