HC Deb 04 June 1946 vol 423 cc1804-5
48. Mr. Vane

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what arrangements exist for investigating charges and taking disciplinary action against British members of the Control Commission in Germany and Austria' suspected of currency offences or black market transactions.

Mr. J. Hynd

If a civilian member of the staff should be suspected of such an offence, the case is investigated by Public Safety officers attached to the Control Commission concerned. Minor offences are dealt with by the Establishment Officers by normal disciplinary methods. More serious offences are tried in Military Government courts. Dismissal from the Control Service normally follows conviction. Cases involving Service members of the Staff are investigated and tried under normal Service procedure.

Mr. Vane

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is widespread feeling among Army and Service members that the procedure so far as it affects civilian members is very casual and that about the worst that.can happen to them is to be posted back to Norfolk House?

Mr. Hynd

Not at all. I am not aware of that feeling. The worst that can happen is not that they should be posted back to Norfolk House but that they should be dismissed the Service. If their offence warrants it, they should be subject to the punishment to which they would be subject in this country.

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