§ 15. Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKasked the Secretary of State for War whether he can explain why Lieutenant C. H. Clendinning, 3rd battalion Royal Irish Rifles, who was detained as an alleged mental case at the station hospital, Cawnpore, during September, 1917, was permitted to retain in his possession a sporting gun, revolver and ammunition, and to leave the hospital to go out shooting in the jungle; and if he is aware that this officer was placed in hospital without being examined by any medical officer?
§ Mr. WALSHWith regard to the first part of the question, I have at present no information before me. With regard to the latter part, I understand from Lieutenant Clendinning's own account that he was ordered to hospital by the senior medical officer, after examination. As I informed the hon. Member for Dartford on 4th March last, the Army Council are awaiting the report of the Government of India before investigating the case in accordance with the procedure laid down in Section 42 of the Army Act for dealing with the complaint of any officer who considers himself wronged. I understand that the report in question has just been received by the India Office and is being communicated to the War Office.
§ Mr. LANSBURYWill the hon. Gentleman assure the House that their will be no undue delay in settling this case which has been going on now for many years?
§ Mr. WALSHThe Report has just this morning reached the War Office. In accordance with the Army Act I will investigate it myself as quickly as possible.