§ 44. Mr. EVELYN CECILasked the Secretary of State for War why it has been thought necessary to recall Lieutenant-General Sir Reginald Hart from the command in South Africa, after his having held the appointment only since March, 1912, and to appoint in his stead Lieutenant - General Sir James Wolfe Murray, who took up the command in Scotland so recently as last December?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)I understand that after consideration with the Colonial Office it was decided to recall Sir Reginald Hart, whose term of command would in any case expire early next year, in order that the new Governor-General should from the first be associated with the Commander-in-Chief, who, under the Constitution, takes his place in case of absence or emergency. The value of Sir Reginald Hart's services is fully appreciated, and is to be recognised, as was stated the other day, by promotion.