HC Deb 07 December 1926 vol 200 cc1882-3
15. Sir SAMUEL ROBERTS

asked the Secretary of State for War why over-looker Captain F. J. Clarke was recalled from Hereford to Woolwich on the 20th May, 1926, and informed that his employment at Woolwich depended upon a. suitable vacancy presenting itself?

The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Sir Laming Worthington-Evans)

The employé referred to was recalled from Hereford for the reasons already explained to my hon. Friend in letters from my hon. and gallant Friend the Financial Secretary to the War Office (Captain King).

Sir S. ROBERTS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is stated that this employé was recalled because he wrote an improper and insubordinate letter, and that the employé absolutely denies having written such a letter Will the right hon. Gentleman send to Captain Clarke a copy of the alleged letter?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

I have seen the letter, or I have seen a copy of the letter, and I am satisfied with the description which has been given of it.

Sir S. ROBERTS

Will the right hon. Gentleman send to the accused person a copy of the letter, which he denies having written?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

My hon. Friend is mistaken if he thinks the gentleman in question denies having written the letter. He does not deny having written the letter; what he denies is that it is insubordinate, and that is a matter for those who are employing him.

Sir S. ROBERTS

In view of the right hon. Gentleman's answer, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the first convenient opportunity, on the Adjournment.