§ MR. O. V. MORGAN (Battersea)asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether his attention has been called to the reports in the public Press of a discussion at the Metropolitan Board of Works on Friday last, with reference to certain charges made against an official of the architect's department; and, whether, as a Representative of the Metropolitan Board of Works in this House, he is able to promise that a full inquiry will be made into the grave allegations which have attained wide publicity?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. MATTHEWS) (Birmingham, E.)Yes, Sir; I have seen a report of the proceedings in question. I am informed by the Metropolitan Board of Works that the Board has, through a Committee, made full inquiry into the allegations made against an official of the Architect's Department, and that the Report presented by the Committee on Friday, the discussion of which was reported in the newspapers, contained the results of the inquiry. I must disclaim the position of Representative of the Metropolitan Board of Works. When Sir James 1161 M'Garel-Hogg ceased to be a Member of this House, at his request, and as a matter of courtesy to him, I consented to answer Questions respecting the Board of Works on his behalf; but it will be matter for consideration whether that arrangement should be continued.