§ 85. Mr. Leslieasked the Secretary of State for War whether it is the practice of the Army to impose fines upon soldiers serving in France if, through an accident, damage is done to Army property, although the accident may not be caused by negligence on the part of the soldier concerned; and whether the soldier is given the right to hear the evidence and 378 cross-examine the witnesses of the alleged negligence or damage?
§ Sir E. GriggApart from a general contribution for barrack damage, a soldier can be placed under stoppages of pay to make good the value of property damaged only if the damage was occasioned through the commission of an offence on his part, such as negligence. The soldier has a right to hear the evidence and to cross-examine witnesses. I am not aware of any instances in the British Expeditionary Force in which the proper procedure has not been followed.
§ Mr. LeslieIs it the case that commanding officers cannot impose a fine unless this procedure is followed?
§ Sir E. Griggindicated assent.