§ 43. Mr. KINGasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that 1408 Major Sir Francis Vane volunteered in August, 1914, for duty on the Staff; that he had acted in a staff capacity during the South African War under Lord Nicholson and Colonel Lambert, who reported favourably upon him; and whether, instead of being relegated to unemployment for having given information concerning the murders on 26th April in the Portobello Barracks, he will now receive some Staff appointment?
§ Mr. FORSTERIt is possible that Temporary Captain Sir Francis Vane volunteered in August, 1914, for duty on the Staff, but if he did so, he only did what hundreds of others did, including many who had had previous Staff service during the South African War. The reason suggested, in the third part of the question, for Sir Francis Vane's being now unemployed is not correct, and the answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.
§ 44. Mr. KINGasked the Secretary for State for War whether he is aware that the three officers who reported adversely on Major Sir Francis Vane were retained in command of troops for twelve months from October, 1914, and that they successfully passed the medical examination for active service in July, 1915; and whether he can give the reasons why these three officers were removed from their commands within two months of their departure for the front?
§ Mr. FORSTERNo, Sir, I see no reason why exception should be made to the standing rule against the disclosure of the reasons why officers have been removed from their command.