HC Deb 23 May 1939 vol 347 cc2092-3
101. Mr. Jenkins

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether his attention has been called to a case heard at the Usk police court, on Thursday last, in which a man was charged with having stolen a secret and important document from the ordnance works at Glascoed, when by the evidence it was proved that the document in question was found by an 11-year old girl in a dustbin; what steps he proposes to take to ensure that documents of this character will in future be properly guarded; and what steps he is taking to see that the man is properly compensated?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport (Captain Austin Hudson)

I have been asked to reply. I am aware of the case to which the hon. Member refers. The plan in question, which had been superseded and which, in fact, had been in possession of the man charged, was marked "Secret and Confidential" and, in accordance with the rules, should have been returned to the foreman's office at the end of the day's work. The attention of all those working on the site has been drawn to the necessity of complying strictly with the regulations made for the custody of plans. As regards the question of compensation, I have consulted my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department, who, after considering all the circumstances of the case, has found no ground for recommending any payment to this man from public funds.

Mr. Jenkins

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware of the fact that any workman engaged on that site might have got hold of this plan and have been prosecuted in a similar manner; does he not see the need of greater care in the control of these plans, and further, who is responsible for deciding upon prosecution in these cases? Were the Government consulted about it or was action taken by the local police?

Captain Hudson

In regard to to the first part of the supplementary question, steps are being taken to see that greater care is exercised in connection with these plans. The plans are not all in one, and, therefore, it was only part of a plan in this case, and it should of course have been returned to the office. With regard to the second part of the supplementary question, as to who decides upon these prosecutions, I should like to have notice.