§ 14. Mr. JACOBSENasked the Minister of Munitions (1) whether any cases have occurred where responsible officials have signed and issued open cheques for the payment of public money on behalf of the Ministry of Munitions, and such cheques have been used to make excessive or improper payments; and (2) whether on. 23rd March a cheque was found in Trafal gar Square, and subsequently claimed by the Ministry of Munitions; if so, whether this cheque was undated, uncrossed, and without the name of the payee or amount 1273 stated, but signed by two chief officers of the Ministry authorised to make payments; whether it is the custom for responsible officers to sign and issue cheques without knowing the amount or for whom intended; and if any steps have been or will be taken to ensure better control of the expenditure of public money?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of MUNITIONS (Sir Worthington Evans)The facts as to the cheque facts as in Trafalgar Square are substantially as stated by my hon. Friend. The miscarriage of this cheque was discovered immediately, and payment stopped. No money has been lost. The officer whose stupid thoughtlessness led to the occurrence has been reprimanded and reduced, and his power of dealing with money has been withdrawn.
§ Mr. GILBERTHas any reward been given to the boy who found this cheque, and, if so, what?