HC Deb 03 February 1943 vol 386 cc876-7
21. Mr. A. Edwards

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport what action has been taken against officials of his Department for negligence in connection with the Liverpool frauds; and whether he has consulted with the Admiralty with a view to removing the officials responsible?

Mr. Noel-Baker

My Noble Friend is in consultation with the Admiralty in connection with the investigations into this difficult matter, but these investigations are not yet complete. For this reason, I cannot yet make any statement, but I hope to be able to do so in the early future.

Mr. Edwards

Is my hon. Friend aware that these investigations have been going on for a very long time and that, unless considerations have been changed recently, the only man who could have detected these frauds is a man earning £4 10s. a week? Will he look into that matter?

Mr. Noel-Baker

I will look into all aspects of the matter. There were appeals in this case, and the last of the appeals was only decided last week, so that there has been no great loss of time.

Mr. Logan

As the appeal has been settled, will my hon. Friend look into the question of the accountancy system and see if these cases cannot be avoided by proper supervision?

Mr. Noel-Baker

Yes, I will have that aspect of the matter examined.