§ MR. KEARLEYI beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether any decision has been come to by the Admiralty as to the publication of the 39 evidence given before the Departmental Committee on Naval Victualling, and whether, in view of the fact that many witnesses testified to a system of bribery prevailing in connection with canteen catering and contracting, any steps are being taken to free the Navy of such practices.
§ MR. ARNOLD-FORSTERIt is not proposed to publish the evidence given before the Departmental Committee on Naval Victualling. The question with respect to the management of canteens, to which the hon. Member refers, and with respect to which evidence was given before the Committee, is receiving careful consideration at the Admiralty.
§ MR. KEARLEYIs it not the fact that several witnesses made allegations of bribery in connection with this matter?
§ MR. ARNOLD-FORSTERYes, I believe some of the witnesses did suggest it.
§ MR. KEARLEYThen, under the circumstances, ought not the evidence to be published?
§ MR. ARNOLD-FORSTERNo, Sir. It is not usual to publish the evidence given on departmental inquiries. We had reason to believe that some of the witnesses would not come forward if they had anticipated that their testimony would be made public.
§ MR. KEARLEYAre the Admiralty entitled to receive evidence of this nature?
§ MR. ARNOLD-FORSTERThe Admiralty take the course which is most conducive to obtaining the truth. I should like it to be clearly understood, however, that no allegation of bribery is made against the Admiralty, or against any of its officers or officials in the performance of their duty.
§ MR. KEARLEYI shall take the earliest opportunity of calling the attention of the House to this matter.
§ MR. FLAVINCan the hon. Member say in what branch of the service bribery does not take place?