HC Deb 06 August 1942 vol 382 c1196
81. Mr. Colegate

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how many divisional petroleum officers there are; how many, in the last three months, have resigned; how many have been dismissed; and how many there are whose position is under consideration at the present time?

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Fuel and Power (Mr. T. Smith)

There are 15 divisional petroleum officers. During the past three months three have resigned and the appointment of one other has been terminated to my regret on the grounds of grave illness; none has been dismissed. The position of one divisional petroleum officer is under consideration at the moment.

Mr. Colegate

Would not the hon. Gentleman agree that this indicates a very serious breakdown in the Department concerned?

Mr. Smith

I think the matter is being dealt with.