HC Deb 20 February 1941 vol 369 cc295-6
74. Sir W. Smithers

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has, or will, obtain full information as to the conditions obtaining in the s.s. "Ettrick," which sailed in July, 1940; and whether he will cause disciplinary action to be taken against those responsible, and take steps to ensure that such conditions will not occur again?

The Financial Secretary to the War Office (Mr. Richard Law)

I have received statements on this subject within the last day or two, and I am having inquiries made. My hon. Friend will agree that, pending those inquiries, it would be premature to decide what action is called for.

Mr. Mander

Is it the case that the Secretary of State for War is considering at the present time the advisability of having an inquiry into the matter, as was the case in respect of the "Dunera"?

Mr. Law

I have indicated that a preliminary inquiry is already being made, but it is not completed.

Sir W. Smithers

Will the result of these inquiries be made public?

Mr. Law

That is a Question that I should like to see put upon the Paper.