§ Mr. DOUGLAS HALLasked if Lieutenant-Colonel Donegan had been relieved of the command of the Royal Army Medical Corps at Parkhurst. Isle of Wight; and, if so, for what cause?
§ Mr. ACLANDThis officer has been relieved of his charge by the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief pending investigation by the Court of Inquiry ordered on the recent case of suicide.
§ Mr. DOUGLAS HALLIs it not rather invidious to remove the officer before the Court of Inquiry came to a decision?
§ Mr. ACLANDIt depends upon what reason there may have been for it. In this case I think it was perfectly justified.
§ Mr. J. WARDWas not the reason that justified his removal that he stated he called attention to the over-work?
§ Mr. ACLANDOh, no; that had nothing whatever to do with it.
§ Major ARCHER-SHEEIs it not a fact that this officer was transferred while the Court of Inquiry was sitting, and before the decision of the Court was made known?
§ Mr. ACLANDIt was considered desirable that during the Court of Inquiry he should not continue to hold his former position.
MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINEWill the hon. Gentleman give an undertaking that officers and non-commissioned officers who give evidence will not have their future prejudiced?
§ Mr. ACLANDThat has nothing to do with the question, but of course I will give that undertaking.
§ Major ARCHER-SHEEasked whether Lieutenant - Colonel Swabey, late R.A.M.C., was retired on a pension on attaining the age of fifty-five years, on the 4th February, 1911, that this officer has served for twenty-nine years and 364 days, that lie has only been awarded a pension on the twenty-five years' service scale, and not on the thirty years' service scale, a difference of about £45 per annum; and whether, in view of the fact that this officer had completed thirty years' service with the exception of twenty-four hours, he will grant the concession of a pension upon the thirty years' scale?
§ Mr. ACLANDThe facts are as stated in the question. It was not possible to retain this officer in the Service beyond the age of fifty-five fixed for his retirement by the Royal Warrant of Pay, the terms of which are absolute. It is therefore impossible to make the suggested concession.
§ Major ARCHER-SHEEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this officer served for four months and four days on probation before he got his commission in 1881, and has therefore really served thirty years four months and four days?
§ Mr. ACLANDThis officer, undoubtedly, has had very bad luck; but I am afraid it is impossible to make exceptions under the terms of the Royal Warrant. The hon. Member will understand if you make one exception you must go on making them in other cases.
§ Mr. HARRY LAWSONIs it the practice to treat officers entitled to pensions in this shabby Manner—
§ Mr. ACLANDIt is the practice to adhere absolutely to the terms of the Royal Warrant.
MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINEMay not something be done for distinguished service? Colonel Swabey is a very distinguished officer, and served with distinction through the South African War?
§ Mr. ACLANDHis case was very fully considered by the Selection Hoard. It is impossible to do anything more.
§ Major ARCHER-SHEEIs the hon. Gentleman aware that this officer, who was born in Canada, had completed thirty years with the exception of twenty-four hours?
§ Mr. ACLANDI said the facts were as stated in the question.
§ Mr. ASHLEYCan the hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of making this case an exception?