§ 19. Mr. Linsteadasked the Secretary of State for War why an officer, of whose name he has been informed, who served in the last war and gave up his farm in South Africa to serve in this one, has been called upon to resign his commission upon an adverse report from his commanding officer which the sub-district commander, in forwarding it, described as neither justified nor fair to the officer concerned; and why the request of the officer for a personal interview with a member of the Army Council in accordance with King's Regulations has not yet been granted?
§ Sir J. GriggIn reply to the first part of the Question, both the Commanding Officer and the Sub-District Commander recommended the removal of this officer from the appointment he held at the time when he was being reported on. The Army Council in the light of these and other reports they had received on this officer, decided that he must be reverted to unemployment and called upon to resign his commission in the Regular Army Reserve of Officers. As regards the second part of the Question, this officer's request for an interview at the War Office was received on 27th November. It is not always possible to arrange an interview at very short notice. He was, however, interviewed on 11th December by the Deputy Adjutant-General.
§ Mr. LinsteadCan my right hon. Friend say whether the other reports which he now refers to were known to the officer and whether the officer has had any opportunity of putting his side of the case in regard to them?
§ Sir J. GriggI have not the slightest doubt about that, because an adverse report must be seen by the officer concerned and be initialled by him.