63. Sir N. Stewart Sandemanasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how many instances there have been during the last six months of secret Government documents having been stolen or lost; and what instructions he has issued to all Departments to prevent the recurrence of this?
§ The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Captain Euan Wallace)I have not yet completed the inquiries necessary to answer the question, and I will communicate further with my hon. Friend as soon as I am in a position to do so.
Sir N. Stewart SandemanCan the Financial Secretary give some idea of what the penalties are for the loss of Government papers in this way?
§ Captain WallaceI should require notice of that question.
§ Mr. ThorneDoes not the right hon. and gallant Gentleman think it very foolish to leave secret documents in a car without at least locking the door of the car?
§ Captain WallaceYes, Mr. Speaker, frankly I do.