§ Mr. Messerasked the Secretary of State for War what was the nature of the inquiry which was made into the allegations of W. A. Marriott, who complained of ill-treatment at a Midland unit; whether he was questioned by anyone other than officers concerned; whether witnesses were examined; and, if not, whether the right hon. Gentleman will institute an independent inquiry?
§ Captain MargessonMy right hon. Friend has already communicated to the hon. Member the result of his investigation into the allegations of ill-treatment of Private W. A. Marriott. The commanding officer of the unit concerned rendered a detailed report to the War Office as a result of his personal investigation into all the circumstances of the case, in the course of which he examined all the witnesses concerned. The commanding officer was not himself present at the time the incidents complained of took place. In view of the very full investigation made into these allegations of ill-treatment of Private Marriott, I am not prepared to institute an independent inquiry.