HC Deb 21 January 1941 vol 368 c11
23. Mr. Ammon

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of occasions on which papers and documents concerned with his Department have been left in motor cars and public service vehicles during the past 12 months?

Captain Margesson

Twenty-one cases have been reported during the last six months. I regret that figures are not available for any earlier period.

Mr. Ammon

Does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman realise how very serious it is?

Captain Margesson

Yes, indeed I do, but in most cases these documents were not of a secret character, I am glad to say. Where the delinquent has been identified the matter has been taken up through the usual channels, and disciplinary action has been applied.

Mr. Ammon

Does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman also recognise that it is a matter of sheer luck whether the documents are recovered?

Captain Margesson

I agree.