HC Deb 23 February 1900 vol 79 cc923-4
MR. HOWELL () Denbigh Boroughs

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether, in the public interest, he will state the names of the contractors and officers who have been found guilty of misconduct in connection with the sending of stores for the use of Her Majesty's field force in South Africa; and whether there are proceedings of a criminal nature which can be taken against contractors or officers guilty of supplying or passing defective stores.

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE WAR OFFICE (Mr. J. POWELL-WILLIAMS,) Birmingham, S.

In all cases where misconduct has occurred in connection with the sending of stores or supplies for Her Majesty's Army in South Africa the contractors have been struck off the list; but the Secretary of State does not at present see any necessity to make public the names of the persons concerned.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL () Donegal, S.

Why should not their names be made public? Ought not the community to be warned against cheats of this kind?

MR. JOHN BURNS () Battersea

May I ask the hon. Gentleman whether, if he does not see his way to give the names, he will tell us the number of such contractors?

MR. J. POWELL-WILLIAMS

The number is exceedingly small.

MR. JAMES LOWTHER () Kent, Thanet

Has the hon. Gentleman any objection to lay a return on the Table giving particulars as to these contractors?

SIR JOHN BRUNNER () Cheshire, Northwich

Is there any hope of these contractors being prosecuted?

MR. J. POWELL-WILLIAMS

In the only cases that have occurred the question of prosecution was considered by the Secretary of State, and submitted for legal advice, and the legal advice given was that no prosecution would succeed.

MR. JAMES LOWTHER

The hon. Gentleman has not answered my question whether he sees any objection to lay a return on the Table giving the names and addresses of these persons.

MR. J. POWELL-WILLIAMS

If my right hon. friend will put a question upon the Paper, I will consider it.

MR. BARTLEY () Islington, N.

Is there any possible reason for screening these people?

[No answer was given.]

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

That is the War Office all over.