§ Captain CLIVEasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he can yet give the name of the first holder of the new office of retired officer employed as messing adviser at the War Office; whether it is necessary that the holder should be a retired officer, and, if so, why; and whether he will be expected to give his whole time in return for the salary of £2300?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Acland)The office will be held by Colonel B. G. Morgan, D.S.O. is simpler and more economical to employ a retired officer than to withdraw an officer from the active list. The officer's whole time will be at the disposal of the War Office.
§ Captain CLIVEIs this the Colonel Morgan who was invited to retire from the Army in consequence of the adverse comments on his conduct during the South African war by the Butler Committee and the Royal Commission presided over by Mr. Justice Farwell, and, if so, will the hon. Gentleman state the facts which now justify his reinstatement?
§ Mr. ACLANDYes, Sir; it is the same-officer.
§ Mr. J. WARDWhat is the justification?
§ Mr. ACLANDThe justification is that no corruption was in any way proved against that officer, only undoubted culpability under the Regulations, for which he was asked to retire. But he is a very able officer. It is considered that he will do this work better than anybody else, and that there is no reason at all why he should not be re-employed to do it.
§ Captain CLIVEIs it not possible to, find an officer equally suitable for the post, who has not been found culpable?
§ Mr. ACLANDThat is exactly the point. This officer is an officer of very exceptional ability. He can do the work better than anybody else.
§ Mr. MacVEAGHIs not the fact that he was found guilty of making a mess during the South African war a good reason for appointing him as messing officer?