§ Sir WILLIAM BULLasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that doubt exists among officers of the Army, especially in the Army Service Corps, as to their liability for Government property issued to them; whether even junior officers, if in command of companies or other units in this country, are personally liable for the value of all stores and equipment issued to their unit which may be lost in camp or when moving camp, although in many cases the actual person in charge is a noncommissioned officer in whose appointment the officer so responsible has no voice; under what regulation docs this liability arise, and upon what officers does it rest; and whether, in order to avoid any hardship to men already serving, or who may be desirous of serving their country as officers, he can see his way to state that this liability, if it exists, will during the War only be enforced in cases of actual and personal negligence?
§ Mr. FORSTERAll officers are responsible for taking due care of public property in their charge. The responsibility of officers commanding companies in this connection is clearly laid down in paragraph 112 of the King's Regulations. Officers are not made pecuniarily liable for losses without full inquiry, and every allowance is made for inexperience and the difficulties of present circumstances, if these are represented to the military authorities dealing with the matter.