§ 97. Mr. LYNCHasked the Secretary of State for War whether he intends to utilise the services of Major Sir Francis Vane in active work at the front or else where and, if not, for what reason?
§ Mr. FORSTERSir Francis Vane's proper rank is honorary captain, not major. This officer served in a regimental capacity in a battalion of the New Army from September, 1914, to September, 1915, when as a result of most unfavourable reports as to his military capacity furnished by his commanding officer, his brigadier and his divisional general, he was called upon to relinquish his commission, and was gazetted out of the service in January, 1916. In view of these reports it is impossible to employ him at home still less abroad.
§ Mr. LYNCHWill those reports be available for the inspection of Members of Parliament; and seeing that the War Minister is in his place, might I say that I put down this question rather to have a personal answer from him, because it is one which requires a broad mind and a certain amount of public spirit?