HC Deb 28 March 1939 vol 345 cc1887-8
52. Mr. Mainwaring

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether his attention has been called to the two instances lately in which official documents have been stolen, the one involving the Air Force and the other food defence plans; whether an inquiry has been made into the circumstances; and what action is to be taken against the persons held responsible for the loss?

Captain Wallace

I have made inquiries into the two cases mentioned. As regards the Royal Air Force documents, a Service court of inquiry has been held, and its report is under consideration by the Air Council. In the case connected with the Food (Defence Plans) Department, the stolen documents belonged to a trade representative on a Departmental Advisory Committee. No secret information was contained in these documents, and I understand that no further action is proposed.

Mr. Mainwaring

Are we to assume that in both cases the documents have not been recovered?

Captain Wallace

That is the case.

Sir Nairne Stewart Sandeman

Is there no penalty for people who lose documents in this careless way?

Captain Wallace

It depends on the circumstances.

Sir J. Nall

Is it not the fact that in the case of the Services very exhaustive inquiries are made and sometimes a court-martial results? Why is it that similar procedure is not followed in the case of the Civil Service?

Captain Wallace

In this case of the Food (Defence Plans) Department, no secret information was lost, and the only action that could be taken would be to remove this gentleman from the Advisory Committee. That would be inconvenient for the Board of Trade. It would be cutting off their nose to spite their face.

Sir J. Nall

Is it convenient to retain the services of people who lose papers?

Captain Wallace

It may be, and it may not. The papers contained no information of any value.

Sir A. Knox

Is the Civil Service not becoming as bad as the War Cabinet during the War?