§ 47. Mr. Ammonasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the many instances, officially admitted, in which papers and documents belonging to the several Defence Services have been stolen from motor vehicles since the outbreak of war, owing to the carelessness of the persons in charge of such documents; whether he is satisfied that in no case did such documents fall into the possession, temporarily or permanently, of the agents of enemy nations; and what steps are being taken to safeguard against such happenings in the future?
§ Mr. AttleeThe loss of official documents by persons in whose custody they are is a serious matter, more especially in war-time. All Services have been asked to see that every care is exercised and that offences are dealt with as a matter of discipline.
§ Mr. ThorneIs it true that instructions have been sent out to the drivers of these vehicles to see that their vehicles are immobilised?
§ Mr. AttleeI am not aware of any specific instruction. I understand that they are public vehicles. My hon. Friend's suggestion applies to all drivers of public vehicles.
§ Mr. AmmonWill my right hon. Friend answer the last part of my Question, which asks what steps are being taken to safeguard against such happenings in the future?
§ Mr. AttleeI think my hon. Friend had better put a Question to the Department concerned. I am not aware of any such instruction.