§ 56. Colonel DAYasked the Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the falsification of accounts by an accountant officer, referred to on page 65 of the Air Service Appropriation Account, 1924–25, he will cause all officers handling public funds to enter into a guarantee bond equal to the amount of money likely to be handled by them during the course of their duties?
§ Sir S. HOAREThe proposal for a guarantee bond has been considered and discussed on various occasions, and more particularly when the Accountant Branch of the Royal Air Force was first established. It was decided, however, to adhere to the general practice of the public service, which is not to require such bonds in the case of permanent pensionable posts. The prospect of losing pension or gratuity constitutes the 2025 fidelity guarantee, and the Government follows its usual practice in carrying its risks, which is considered less expensive than insurance or its equivalent in extra pay to meet the cost of personal premiums.