HC Deb 30 March 1943 vol 388 cc12-3
11. Major Gates

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give instructions that correspondence intended for Lieut.-Colonel Gates, at one time commanding a training battalion at Matlock, and addressed "c/o the Under-Secretary of State for War," shall not be forwarded to the hon. and gallant Member for Prestwich?

Sir J. Grigg

I am sorry if this mistake has been made. It has been impossible to trace the occurrence, but special instructions have been issued to those likely to be concerned to avoid such a mistake in future.

Commander Locker-Lampson

Will the hon. and gallant Member for Prestwich (Major Gates) be offered a job on the staff?

17. Mr. McGhee

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the complaints still being made against the conduct of Lieut.-Colonel W. B. V. H. P. Gates, it is now proposed, failing his resignation, to terminate his staff appointment?

Sir J. Grigg

I have received from the hon. Member a letter in which he describes two new subjects of complaint against the officer in question. One of these complaints is that the officer used in public a phrase derogatory of Members of this House. I am satisfied that this is not so. In point of fact most of the members of the officer's family, his secretary and he himself were subjected to a stream of telephone inquiries by daily newspapers. Under this stress I understand that the officer ultimately remarked that he was not interested in yapping dogs. As to the second complaint, I am having detailed inquiries made. If action is necessary as a result of those inquiries it will be taken.

Mr. McGhee

Would the right hon. Gentleman consider at the same time the fact that the illegal punishments inflicted on the men are on the records of these men, and would it be possible to have these records erased?

Sir J. Grigg

I will certainly consider that.

Major Lyons

Arising out of the original reply, may I put it to the right hon. Gentleman that many Members of this House are having communications making allegations about other people? Those allegations might be right or wrong, but would he consider in the case of any which is brought giving an undertaking that there will be no victimisation of the persons whose names are mentioned in the letters?

Sir J. Grigg

I am perfectly prepared and willing to investigate any case which is brought to my notice, but I think it is incumbent upon the hon. Member bringing it to my notice to satisfy himself that there is at any rate a prima facie case for the accusation made.

Commander Locker-Lampson

Should a man who has been proved a bully be allowed a staff appointment?

Sir J. Grigg

That was the subject of the Debate which took place, I think last week, in this House.