§ 64. Mr. Austin Hopkinsonasked the Minister of Food whether he is satisfied that the cases of offences against the Food Regulations at 54 Group, Training Command, Regent's Park, which were transferred to the Air Ministry for further investigation and punishment, have been adequately dealt with.
§ Colonel LlewellinI am advised that the cases were fully investigated and that disciplinary action followed.
§ Mr. HopkinsonCan the right hon. and gallant Gentleman inform us what that (disciplinary action was?
§ Colonel LlewellinThese cases were handed over in the normal course to the Air Force authorities to deal with, and I think any questions of detail should be put to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Air.
§ Mr. HopkinsonCan the Minister inform us whether his own legal Department advised in a contrary sense, and whether documentary evidence is in existence which is absolutely conclusive and had convinced his own legal Department that a prosecution ought to take place?
§ Colonel LlewellinThe arrangement was made by my Ministry in the ordinary way that these cases should be dealt with under Air Force discipline. That was quite normal, and I fully support the Department in the attitude it took.
§ 65. Mr. A. Hopkinsonasked the Minister of Food by what authority he transfers to another Minister the responsibility for investigation and punishment in cases of offences against the Food Regulations.
§ Colonel LlewellinSection 41 of the Army Act, the same section of the Air Force Act, and section 45 of the Naval Discipline Act.
§ Mr. HopkinsonIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I will raise this matter again at the earliest possible moment, on the Adjournment, or on any other appropriate occasion.