HC Deb 03 March 1885 vol 294 cc1908-9
MR. ARTHUR O'CONNOR

asked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, whether it is a fact that certain falsifications were discovered in the accounts of the late Governor of the Central Prison at Nicosia in Cyprus; whether the same were reported to the High Commissioner, Sir R. Biddulph, by Colonel Gordon, the Inspector of Prisons; whether a letter was thereupon written to Colonel Gordon by order of Sir R. Biddulph; and, whether the Government will have any objection to furnish a copy of (1) the Auditors' Report on the Accounts; (2) the Report of Colonel Gordon to Sir R. Biddulph; and (3) the Letter of Sir R. Biddulph to Colonel Gordon relating thereto?

MR. EVELYN ASHLEY

said, that he would give the hon. Member a copy.

In answer to further Questions,

MR. EVELYN ASHLEY

said, that the matter was investigated two years ago, and that the whole amount involved was only £16. The Governor of the prison was removed, but chiefly for other reasons, and the Inspector of Prisons did receive some censure from the High Commissioner; but the evidence that the censure was slight, and was not ratified by the Colonial Office, is that he is now in a responsible position at Hong Kong.