§ 59. Mr. A. Edwardsasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he has taken any steps to investigate the circumstances under which Government officials have mislaid or lost official documents recently, and whether any punishment is contemplated in the case of negligence on the part of Government employés?
§ Captain CrookshankStanding instructions exist in all Departments with regard to the need for exercising special care in the custody of official documents, but the investigation of any case of loss is a Departmental matter. I am, however, satisfied that in the event of negligence being proved the Department concerned would take appropriate action.
§ Mr. EdwardsHas the Minister made investigations into those matters which I submitted to him?
§ Captain CrookshankNo, Sir, because, as I have just explained, this is a Departmental matter. It is for the Minister concerned to make investigations, and not for the Treasury.