§ Sir G. STRICKLANDasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the military adjudications in cases of damge to farmers by manoeuvres in Malta have been accepted without appeal or litigation in 99 per cent. of claims; whether in such matters there has been any complaint against the civil Courts since the dyarchical constitution of 1887; what were the reasons of urgency for promulgating on the 4th of February a military ordinance abolishing in such matters the jurisdiction of civil tribunals, pending a pledge communicated to the Governor and given by representatives of 51W the House of Lords and House of Commons that the Imperial Government would be asked to consider whether the proposed ordinance was helpful or detrimental to defence?
§ Mr. AMERYI am aware that the cases in which these military adjudications have not been accepted have been extremely rare. I have no information available as to any definite instances of complaint against the civil Courts in these matters. I would add, however, that the system under which troops were allowed to trespass on the understanding that compensation would be paid to prevent actions being brought was indefensible. With regard to, the last part of the question, I would refer to the answer which I gave to my hon. Friend on the 15th February.