HC Deb 25 November 1942 vol 385 cc702-3
22. Mr. Thorne

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he can make a statement in connection with the charges of theft and conspiracy involving £500,000 against Charles R. Clare, a company director and a Liverpool city councillor, John H. Mills, senior naval inspector officer and Miss Maud Tester; and whether he has seen the statement made by the Government prosecuting counsel at the Liverpool Assizes on Monday, 2nd October?

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport (Mr. Noel-Baker)

I have seen a report of the statement by prosecuting counsel to which my hon. Friend refers. The matter is receiving the close attention of my Noble Friend, but I am not at present in a position to make a statement.

Mr. Thorne

As one of these men was a city councillor of Liverpool, can my hon. Friend say whether the city of Liverpool will call upon him to resign his seat?

Mr. Noel-Baker

I have no information on that point, and as this is to be the subject of appeal, I do not think I ought to say any more now.