§ 13. Squadron-Leader Sir Gifford Foxasked the First Lord of the Admiralty, who is to bear the loss of the four Admiralty safes and contents, the largest weighing 13 cwt., which were stolen by lorry on 6th September, 1945, from the R.N. Air Station, Culham, containing 1227 £6,900, of which £200 belonged to Lieut.-Commander Howard, R.N.V.R., proceeds of the sale of his car, £30 to the 3rd W.R.N.S. officer, being balance of her uniform allowance on being commissioned, £200 from the ward room mess fund, £180 from the sailors' money in the ship's funds; when a decision is likely to be taken, and what rate of interest will be paid.
Mr. DuģdaleIndividual officers and men and treasurers of mess funds are permitted to deposit non-public moneys with naval supply officers for custody only, and are warned that they do so at their own risk, and that the State is not liable to make good any losses. The question whether any exception can be made in the cases referred to is under con sideration.
§ Sir G. FoxIs the hon. Gentleman aware that officers and men of all Services think that when they place these valuables in the Adjutant's safe that they are safe? If there is difficulty in the Navy, will the hon. Gentleman consider getting help from the Naval Benevolent Fund to make good these losses? Does he not think seven months is long enough for the Admirals to play at "passed to you "?
Mr. DuģdaleI am not aware what the officers and men may think. King's Regulations and Admiralty Instructions state, quite specifically, that the State is not liable to make good any losses. Whether these losses can be made good by benevolent societies is quite another matter.
§ Sir Ronald RossIs the Minister confident that those people who deposit money in these safes are doing so at the own risk, and is it made clear to them?
Mr. DuģdaleYes, Sir. It is laid down first of all in King's Regulations, and similar warning is contained in the poster which gives advice to all people who wish to place goods in safe custody.