HC Deb 11 December 1928 vol 223 c1906
51. Mr. THURTLE

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can explain the circumstances in which £5,000 were lost from the Treasury Chest in transit between London and Hong Kong?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Losses of public money are a matter for investigation by the Public Accounts Committee, who have power to call for such evidence as they think proper. The present case will come before that Committee in ordinary course, but I may state briefly that the loss was due to theft from mails in transit and that four persons in Ceylon have been convicted and sentenced to terms of imprisonment..

Sir F. HALL

In view of the very low rate of insurance charged will the Government consider whether it is not advisable to insure these consignments?

Mr. CHURCHILL

It has long been settled that the Government is its own insurance company.