§ 3. Mr. McGOVERNasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he is prepared to have the whole of the evidence in the Lieutenant Baillie-Stewart case submitted to a legal committee of Members of the House of Commons, and provide an opportunity for the taking of fresh evidence, which is now available, in view of the growing belief in Baillie Stewart's innocence both in and outside the fighting services?
§ Mr. COOPERThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. I am not aware of any fresh evidence having become available. I have no reason to think that there is any growing belief in any quarter in Mr. Baillie-Stewart's innocence. In point of fact he made a full confession of his guilt soon after he was convicted.
§ Mr. McGOVERNIs the hon. Gentleman aware that four generals, nine colonels and 61 other officers have already written expressing their complete belief in his innocence, and that Baillie-Stewart within the last fortnight has completely denied that he made any confession of guilt, and still maintains his innocence of this charge?
§ Mr. COOPERI am not aware of either of those facts.
§ Mr. McGOVERNCan the hon. Gentleman produce a written statement signed as to a confession of guilt by Baillie- Stewart?
§ Mr. COOPERI do not think that it would be in the public interest to publish that.
§ Mr. McGOVERNOwing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible moment.