HC Deb 21 January 1949 vol 460 cc64-5W
Mr. Stokes

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the recent discoveries made by Scotland Yard about jewellery stolen from a castle in Germany owned by the Mecklenburg family, he has any further statement to make regarding these jewels and valuable tapestries which were removed at or about the same time.

Mr. Shinwell

If my hon. Friend is referring to Press articles which appeared on 8th December reporting the discovery by the police of some valuable stolen jewellery, I understand that this jewellery was in no way connected with Glucksburg Castle. Careful and thorough investigations into the disappearance of the jewellery from Glucksburg Castle have been completed by the police, but I understand that in view of the inconclusive nature of the evidence obtained, they do not propose to take proceedings. Proceedings under the Army Act against officers and men who were serving in the Army at the material time and who may have been implicated are in most cases precluded by the provisions of Section 161 of the Army Act, since the events took place more than three years ago. I am, however, considering whether there are grounds for taking disciplinary action against any British Army personnel implicated who are still serving.