HC Deb 26 October 1911 vol 30 cc304-5
Mr. CROFT

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the case of John Orme, a citizen of Australia, who was illegally imprisoned during the war in South Africa and forcibly deported from that country; and what compensation the War Office proposes to grant to John Orme?

Colonel SEELY

I am aware of the circumstances of this case. It is not proposed to grant any compensation.

Mr. CROFT

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that this Australian citizen was very seriously injured in the service of this country, and that there is a great deal of feeling on the subject amongst numerous people in Australia; and whether he is also aware that the Judge Advocate-General refused to confirm the finding of the court martial?

Colonel SEELY

The whole matter has been the subject of exhaustive inquiry on more than one occasion. I do not think it would be possible to enter into it adequately at Question Time. If the hon. Gentleman wishes to put down any further question I will be glad to answer it, but I cannot add anything to the answer I have given.

Mr. CROFT

Might I ask if this question was raised at the recent Imperial Conference?

Colonel SEELY

I do not think so, so far as I know.