HC Deb 27 January 1942 vol 377 cc546-7
35. Mr. McKinlay

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has made any inquiry into the questions raised by the hon. Member for Dumbartonshire regarding statements alleged to have been made by the chief of the Auxiliary Territorial Service at a meeting of officers of that body held in Edinburgh?

Captain Margesson

I would refer the hon. Member to my statement on this matter on 19th December, to which I have nothing to add.

Mr. McKinlay

Is the Minister aware that in the statement made on the date mentioned, he assured the House that no inquiry would be made? Can he tell me on whose instructions a "quiz" took place, not to ascertain the facts but to discover the association of officers of the A.T.S. with the hon. Member for Dumbartonshire, and is he prepared to grant the same facilities to the hon. Member for Dumbartonshire and make a "quiz" into the political associations of the higher ranks of the A.T.S.?

Captain Margesson

I made such inquiry as I thought necessary, and I stated in my answer that I did not think it was necessary to pursue the matter any further.

Mr. McKinlay

I beg to give notice that I will raise the matter again at the earliest possible moment.