HC Deb 10 March 1942 vol 378 cc912-3
23. Mr. McKinlay

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War the reasons for the transfer of officers of the special branch, military police, responsible for the arrest of Larmour, the Army contractor; and will he investigate the whole circumstances and call for available reports?

Mr. Sandys

Of those concerned in the investigation of this case, one officer and one warrant officer have since been transferred to other commands. These transfers were made for purely military reasons entirely unconnected with the case.

Mr. McKinlay

Will the hon. Gentleman reply to the last part of my Question? Will he investigate the circumstances and call for the available papers, including the report of the officer who was in charge of the investigation?

Mr. Sandys

I do not know what the hon. Gentleman wants me to look into. It is as a result of the inquiry I have made that I have been able to give him an answer.

Mr. McKinlay

Is it not a fact that the officer involved submitted facts to the Judge Advocate and asked for an inquiry, with the result that all he got for his trouble was a transfer to Tyrone in Northern Ireland?

Mr. Sandys

His transfer had nothing whatever to do with this case.

Mr. McKinlay

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment at the first opportunity.