HC Deb 16 July 1929 vol 230 c207
31. Mr. KELLY

asked the President of the Board of Trade what action was taken in the Enemy Debts Department as a result of the investigation by a committee of the Treasury into the methods and working of that Department?

Mr. W. GRAHAM

As my predecessor informed my hon. Friend on the 19th February last, the report of the investigation into the accounting procedure of the Enemy Debts Department shows that the system adopted is satisfactorily performing its functions, but that the completion of the work on existing lines must necessarily take a considerable time. Suggestions designed to expedite the completion of the work have now been fully examined, and some minor modifications of office arrangements have been made.

Mr. KELLY

Will that Report be available to Members of this House, in view of the many things that have been said about this Department?

Mr. ARTHUR MICHAEL SAMUEL

Will the right hon. Gentleman ask the hon. Member for Rochdale (Mr. Kelly) to state the specific charges which he has to make on this matter?

Mr. KELLY

Is it not within the province of a Member of this House to raise questions regarding the administration of the various Departments in this House rather than in the law courts of the country?

Mr. GRAHAM

I cannot promise that what is really a departmental report will be circulated.