§ 25. Mr. McGovernasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that since his attention was drawn to the theft of goods from Glasgow Movement Control Embarkation Depôt, two 15-cwt. vans have been loaded with bales of cloth and cases of food supplies; that these supplies, of at least 30 cwt. have been taken from private houses by certain officers back to the docks; that orders have been issued to take away ordinary leave; that motor-cycle despatch riders are to be on duty for 57 out of 72 hours; that other penalties are being imposed, such as sending men overseas, for exposure of these thefts by officers; and what steps he proposes to take?
§ Sir J. GriggThe facts mentioned by the hon. Member are being investigated, and I will communicate with him when the investigation has been completed.
§ Mr. McGovernCan the right hon. Gentleman explain why the letter from me giving the name of the individual who has furnished details has not been dealt with? What kind of inquiry is taking place, seeing that this individual for three or four weeks up to last Friday had not even been interviewed by any inquiry committee; and is he aware that, following the Question being in the papers, these goods have been taken from private houses on instructions by officers and dumped back into the docks? Is not a real inquiry to take place?
§ Sir J. GriggI can certainly give the hon. Member a guarantee that a real and full inquiry will be made.
§ Mr. McGovernAs the right hon. Gentleman speaks of a real inquiry, can he explain why the individual giving the information has not been interviewed and has been penalised by officers for three or four weeks?
§ Sir J. GriggI am not prepared to accept the second part of that question without further inquiry.
§ Mr. McGovernIt is true.