§ 49. Mr. Walter Fletcherasked the Prime Minister whether in addition to the inquiry to be made into the conduct of Major-General Gordon Bennett, in connection with the fall of Malaya, he will institute a similar inquiry into the conduct of such officers and officials as may 34 be thought responsible for the fall of Penang and the capture by the enemy of large quantities of shipping, plant and commodities of great value to them; and whether he will ensure that all such inquiries are held in public to safeguard both the public interests and the reputation of the officers concerned.
§ The Prime MinisterThe inquiry referred to by the hon. Member is one instituted by the Australian military authorities to report upon circumstances affecting an individual officer of the Australian Army. I would prefer to await the receipt of the despatches of the Commander-in-Chief concerned before reaching a judgment as to the desirability or otherwise of an inquiry of the nature proposed.
§ Mr. FletcherWill the Prime Minister make such report available when it arrives?
§ The Prime MinisterI would like to decide when I have the report.