HC Deb 14 May 1918 vol 106 cc181-2
10. Mr. HOUSTON

asked whether the case of Brigadier-General Elliot has been further considered; and when General Elliot will be reinstated?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I am afraid I can add nothing at present to the previous answers to my hon. and gallant Friend regarding General Elliot's reinstatement.

I am glad to avail myself of this opportunity of correcting a misstatement which I made in answer to a supplementary question on the 17th April to the effect that General Elliot had been condemned by court-martial. General Elliot was not tried by court-martial, but was relieved of his command by the Army Council. I am sorry if my reply on that occasion gave rise to any misunderstanding likely to give offence to this gallant officer or his friends.

Mr. HOUSTON

Seeing that General Elliot was not tried by court-martial and was quite innocent of the charges made against him, is it not a simple act of justice to reinstate him?

Mr. MACPHERSON

As I have pointed out on more than one occasion there were three officers implicated, and I promised that I would bring the matter before the military authorities. Two of these officers have been reinstated. It was easier to reinstate these two officers because of the commands which they held, but General Elliot is a brigadier-general, and it is more difficult to replace a brigadier-general.

Mr. HOUSTON

Is not a brigadier-general entitled to the same justice as subordinate officers?

Commander BELLAIRS

As this position, which has lasted many months, is the outcome of a grave injustice, are there not many posts available for a brigadier-general?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I cannot admit that there was any grave injustice. In fact, there was no injustice at all. It was unfortunate in this case that we have not been able to reinstate General Elliot. The real reason is that which I have just given.

Mr. HOGGE

Apart from the question of reinstatement, has he been offered any post at all? Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this gentleman is an efficient soldier, and can the War Office not find occupation for an efficient officer?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I am quite prepared to admit that General Elliot is a very gallant soldier. So far as I know, I do not think that he has been offered any command less than that which he occupied.

Mr. HOUSTON

Has he not been on half-pay now for eight months, and for a professional soldier is not that a very serious thing?

Mr. E. HARVEY

Will the hon. Gentleman promise to make a special effort again in this matter?

Mr. MACPHERSON

Certainly.