29. Sir F. HALLasked the Secretary of State for War if General Townshend is still on the active list and in receipt of full pay; if it is proposed to utilise the services of this distinguished officer in some capacity; and, if not, if he will state the reason?
Captain GUESTGeneral Townshend is on the active list on half-pay. There is at present, I understand, no suitable appointment available in which his services could be employed.
Sir F. HALLMay I ask whether it is to be understood that General Townshend's valuable services are to be shelved, and was this decision arrived at in consequence of the advice given by General Townshend to his superior officers previous to the first abortive march on Bagdad, when he stated that 40,000 men were required—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member had better give notice of some of that.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe more important it is the more necessary is it to give notice.
Sir F. HALLOn that point, may I say I put the facts down on the question, but it is on the Paper in an emasculated form?
§ Mr. SPEAKERIt was not put in proper form.