HC Deb 09 April 1940 vol 359 cc449-50
28. Mr. Stokes

asked the Secretary of State for War on what date, and by whom, was the inquiry held into the dismissal of Major Alan Reid-Kellett, D.S.O., M.C., from his employment, civilian, as garrison engineer, Larkhill?

27. Colonel Burton

asked the Secretary of State for War what were the reasons for the dismissal of Major Alan Reid-Kellett, D.S.O., M.C.; and whether any inquiry is being made into his allegations of extravagance, waste and inefficiency in building camps and other Government works?

Mr. Stanley

There is no reason for a formal inquiry into the termination of Major Reid-Kellett's employment and none has been held. The specific allegations which he made were grave in character and were judged, on inquiry by the War Office, to be without foundation. As, however, these allegations were persisted in, my predecessor asked my hon. and learned Friend the senior Member for Bolton (Sir C. Entwistle) to conduct an inquiry into them, and he reported that they were completely unfounded. A copy of this report has been furnished in confidence to the Select Sub-Committee on Army Expenditure. It would clearly not be in the interests of good working that Major Reid-Kellett should again be employed in a department against which he has made allegations which he has failed to substantiate.

Mr. Stokes

Is the Secretary of State for War aware that the Financial Secretary to the War Office stated to me in this House last week that a proper inquiry had been held on this matter? Is he further aware that the inquiry to which he refers is not in any way complete, and that, in fact, this officer has been employed as a civilian, dismissed from a particular work for a report which he had rendered on a previous work, and that no appropriate inquiry has been held?

Mr. Stanley

I cannot agree with that. Not only has there been an inquiry made in the War Office, but my predecessor, because the charges were persisted in, through excess of caution asked my hon. and learned Friend to undertake an independent inquiry. He undertook that inquiry most thoroughly and came to the conclusions I have stated. A copy of this report has been furnished to the Select Sub-Committee and they will be able to form their judgment upon it.

Mr. Stokes

I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment on the earliest possible occasion.