§ 17. Mr. W. THORNEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if his attention has been called to the general discontent in the office of the Technical Cost Section of the Contract and Purchase Department, Princes House, Kingsway, due to the severity of the discipline; if he is aware that objections are being raised to advances of money expended by members of that Department. on subsistance whilst on public service; and if he will take any action in the matter?
§ The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. Bridgeman)I am unaware that any general discontent exists in the Technical Cost Section of the Contract and Purchase Department, but, if the hon. Member will give me specific details of any complaint, I will inquire into them. As regards the second part of the question, I believe there is no foundation for the suggestion. It is the custom, whenever necessary, to make advances to the staff before expenditure is incurred on journeys on the public service.