25. Mr. BECKETTasked the Secretary of State for Air whether any inquiries have been made or information received as to the handling of Government supplies at Donibristle Aerodrome, Fifeshire; what form these inquiries, if held, took; and what was the result?
§ Sir S. HOAREAlleged irregularities at Donibristle Aerodrome were the subject of two investigations by the Air Ministry in 1927 and 1928, respectively. In the first case the allegations were found to be without substance. In the second they were held to have been proved and three civilian employés of the Department were dismissed in consequence. The actual loss of public stores involved was trivial.
Mr. BECKETTWould the right hon. Gentleman say whether the information that irregularities were going on was first brought to the Ministry by one of the men stationed there, and whether that man was discharged when his allegations were 869 said to be without substance? Later, when there was found to be substance in them, was any compensation paid to the man?
§ Sir S. HOAREI could not answer that question without details. I will make inquiries.
26. Mr. BECKETTasked the Secretary of State for Air whether he has yet received a Report of the results of the investigation at Henlow Aerodrome; when this investigation was started; what caused the investigation to be made; if any information as to irregularities has ever been received by the Ministry; and, if so, the dates on which this information was laid?
§ Sir S. HOAREThe investigation is still proceeding, and in the circumstances I consider it undesirable to say more than that it was undertaken by the Air Ministry as the result of the discovery of discrepancies during the stocktaking in January last and not of any information received from outside sources.
Mr. BECKETTDo I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say that the discrepancy was discovered in January last? If that is so, how it is that when the matter was raised on the Air Estimates the right hon. Gentleman knew nothing about it?
§ Sir S. HOAREI was aware of the facts. The hon. Member asked me some rather vague questions and made some charges that seemed to be unsupported by details. I asked him for further information, and I do not think he sent it to me.
Mr. BECKETTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the House adjourned just afterwards and that then we were informed in the Press that an investigation was being made. May I ask him with regard to that whether it has been brought to the notice of the investigators that several officers of this aerodrome were in the habit of taking Government stores in trucks out of the aerodrome at nights and whether complaints were received by the Ministry—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member is really giving rather than asking for information.
Mr. BECKETTOn a point of Order. There are three very important matters 870 with regard to the Air Force on which I want information. I do not want to give it. I do not wish to disobey your ruling, but may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether these things have been brought to the notice of the investigators or the Ministry, and, also, whether any complaint was received by the Air Ministry from inhabitants round the aerodrome of the noise made at night by these trucks which were conveying spare parts from the aerodrome to the barn which was hired for the purpose?
§ Sir S. HOAREA detailed investigation is now in progress. It may lead to criminal proceedings, and, in the circumstances, I think it is better not to go into the matter.
Mr. BECKETTHas the right hon. Gentleman considered the advisability of holding a general investigation into the whole conduct of aerodromes under his charge, and will he say whether such investigations are carried out by his own inspectors or by special commissioners?
§ Sir S. HOARENo, Sir, I am not considering any general investigation of that kind. Where I think an investigation is necessary, I hold one.
Captain CROOKSHANKIf there were any irregularities, would they not be considered in due course by the Public Accounts Committee of this House?