§ 80. Colonel WOODCOCKasked the Home Secretary whether the application 2047 which has been made on behalf of Major Robert Sheppard for his own costs which were incurred in connection with the case in which he was exonerated, and also in connection with the inquiry ordered by him, has been acceded to?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir William Joynson-Hicks)In so far as Major Sheppard's application to the War Office related to the expenses incurred in connection with proceedings in the Courts, I considered it carefully and sympathetically, but I could not find any reason to differentiate this case from thousands of others where unfounded charges have been brought and where the defendant has been acquitted; and that being so, I could find no sufficient reason for reimbursing Major Sheppard these costs. As regards Major Sheppard's expenses in connection with the inquiry, I understand that the Army Council has been in communication with the Treasury, and that the Treasury has agreed to repay such expenses as were reasonably incurred by him.