§ 8. Mr. KELLYasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the allegations which have been submitted to him concerning the relations between officers of the Enemy Debts Department and private concerns having dealings with the Department, he has instituted any inquiry into the matter?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI assume that the hon. Member is referring to a Memorandum forwarded to the Board of Trade by a member of the staff of the Clearing Office in which a variety of allegations are made. I have instituted the fullest inquiries into these matters. These inquiries have satisfied me that the allegations are unwarranted.
§ Mr. KELLYIn view of the many unsettling statements that are flying about, will this House be acquainted with the terms of the memorandum?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERNo, Sir, certainly not. If allegations are made against anybody in my Department, it is my business, and the duty of the senior officers of the Department, to make a close investigation. When that investigation has been made, it is no part of my business to give currency to unwarranted charges.