HC Deb 31 October 1916 vol 86 cc1518-9
44. Mr. MacVEAGH

asked whether Captain Colthurst has been dismissed from the Army; and, if so, on what date the dismissal took effect?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

This officer was retired on 10th June, 1916.

Mr. MacVEAGH

What is the difference between being retired and being dismissed? Does the answer mean that this officer was retired with full pay, or with half—pay, or with any pay? This is a very important question, and I think that we are entitled to an answer. Has the War? Office retired this gentleman, and is he drawing public money after having been convicted of four murders and being declared by the War Office to be a lunatic?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I should not like to answer that without notice. I really must ask the indulgence of the House. There are over ninety questions every day to be answered. Personally, I was en-engaged at a War Office Committee up to two o'clock, and so I could not investigate this matter. I simply give the answers handed to me. It is not possible to go into all these matters. I am not sure that it might not be left to the House to curtail the number of questions. It is interfering very seriously with the work of the Department.

Mr. MacVEAGH

I quite understand the right hon. Gentleman's explanation. I shall repeat the question next week.