HC Deb 19 December 1944 vol 406 c1593
12. Mr. Vernon Bartlett

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has now completed his inquiries into the allegations of waste at a reconditioning dump in the South of England, to which his urgent attention was called on 9th October last.

Sir J. Grigg

My hon. Friend will by now have received a letter giving him the result of the inquiry which was held into these allegations.

Mr. Bartlett

Is the Minister aware that even on the basis of the admission contained in that letter—which I cannot accept as complete—300 bedframes, some card-tables, upholstered easy chairs and at least 75 wooden boxes, complete with locks and each estimated to cost £3 15s. to make, were destroyed? Will he see to it that this sort of thing does not occur again?

Sir J. Grigg

The articles destroyed were almost completely unserviceable. I am informed that their possible value was as firewood. It may be that even firewood should have been preserved, but there is no question of anything in the nature of serviceable furniture having been destroyed.

Mr. Bartlett

Is the Minister aware that I questioned very thoroughly indeed more than 20 men working at this depot and that their evidence is completely divergent from that which the right hon. Gentleman has given?

Sir J. Grigg

That point has, of course, arisen on other occasions. I can only give the information which I obtain from the responsible officers of the unit, through their superior officers.

Mr. Bartlett

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply I beg to give notice that I will raise this matter on the Adjournment.