§ 42. Mr. Austin Hopkinsonasked the Secretary of State for Air whether the comparatively junior officers of a unit of 54 Group, Training Command, who, by excess of zeal made false entries on Form 658, were mistaken in thinking that they were carrying out the requirements of their senior officers.
§ Sir A. SinclairIn employing Service transport on the business of the farm, the junior officers undoubtedly had grounds for believing that they were carrying out the requirements of their Commanding Officer, but the full inquiry which was held revealed no evidence that the commanding officer was aware that when Service transport was used false entries were made on Forms 658. The Commander-in-Chief fixed responsibility for the false entries and disciplinary action was taken.
§ Mr. HopkinsonHow could these senior officers have been unaware of it when a large quantity of foodstuffs was being delivered to themselves?
§ Sir A. SinclairSenior officers on the station were perfectly entitled to buy foodstuffs but of course on a large station like this, with a floating population of many thousands of air crews under training, it was quite out of the question that the commanding officer should be aware how every motor transport vehicle performed its task.
§ Mr. HopkinsonDoes the right hon. Gentleman say that officers on the station were entitled to buy foodstuffs in defiance of the certificate and licence given by the Ministry of Food?
§ Sir A. SinclairThere was no defiance; the licence merely said that it was not to be sold off the station.
§ 43. Mr. Austin Hopkinsonasked the Secretary of State for Air on what date were the irregularities in 54 Group exposed by the officers concerned; who actually asked that an investigation should take place; what are the names of the officers who made that request; to whom was it made; and in what form.
§ Sir A. SinclairA request for an investigation into the management of the farm including the application of the Food Regulations was made by the commanding officer of the station to the Group Headquarters in an official minute on 20th October, 1943.
§ Mr. HopkinsonWould the right hon. Gentleman repeat his answer?
§ Mr. SpeakerMr. Thorne.
§ Mr. HopkinsonOn a point of Order. The right hon. Gentleman dropped his voice, Mr. Speaker, and I did not hear the date, which is a matter of great importance.
§ Mr. SpeakerIt very often happens that I myself cannot even hear the hon. Member.
§ Mr. HopkinsonMight the right hon. Gentleman repeat his answer?
§ Sir A. SinclairIt will be in HANSARD.
§ Mr. Hopkinson rose——
§ Mr. SpeakerI have called the next Question.