§ Mr. WATTasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether his attention has been called to the fact that a lieutenant in charge of a signal section of the 5th Royal Munster Fusiliers, stationed at Haynes Park, near Bedford, on 21st or 23rd March last threatened to arrest a farmer named Burr, of Willington, Bedfordshire, who endeavoured to protect from destruction his crops of young wheat and cabbages, and pointed out a neighbouring piece of grass which could be utilised by the men without any resultant damage; if so, will he say under what authority an officer is empowered to threaten to arrest a civilian endeavouring to protect his own property, in this case farm produce for the use of the nation; whether instructions will be issued by his Department to prevent such action in future on the part of officers; and whether this particular officer has been reprimanded in any way?
§ Mr. FORSTERI have undertaken that an inquiry shall be made into this matter, and a report has been called for. The results have not yet been received, but they will be sent to my hon. Friend, with his permission, by letter as soon as they are available.