asked the Secretary of State for War, in further reference to the case of James Lynch, late a pensioner clerk in the War Office, York, whether, considering the fact that Mr. Lynch had a record of twenty-four years' efficient service in the Army, followed by nine years as an Army clerk, and taking into consideration the serious consequences resulting from his dismissal, he will state the reasons why he was not given an opportunity of defending himself at the inquiry from the complaints that his work in the office was unsatisfactory?

Officers commanding Cavalry record offices are empowered to dismiss clerks who fail to perform their duties satisfactorily. In this case the clerk in question complained to the War Office, and the Army Council called for a special report in order to ascertain that the responsible officer had personally considered the case. The Army Council, on receipt of the report, were satisfied that this officer had personally dealt with the case, that the man had been treated with great consideration in view of his previous service, and that he had no grounds for complaint. There were, therefore, no reasons for requesting him to come to the War Office in order to state his case.