§ 39. Mr. Geoffrey Cooperasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies for what reasons Mr. Louis Baudot was dismissed from his employment with the Board of Quatre Bornes, Mauritius; and why he has not been awarded a pension after 20 years' service.
Mr. Creech JonesMr. Louis Baudot was dismissed from the service of the Board of Commissioners for Quatre Bornes with effect from the 1st March, 1945, On the grounds that in his capacity of Secretary and Treasurer to the Board he obtained six bicycle tyres from the Supply Control Department in his capacity as Secretary of the Board, whereas only three of these tyres were actually purchased and paid for out of the Board's funds. He subsequently sold a bicycle tyre for Rs.30 when the scheduled price was Rs.4.90. The Board of Commissioners decided to dismiss Mr. Baudot. In these circumstances, under the terms of the Pensions Ordinances, no pension could be granted to Mr. Baudot.
§ Mr. CooperIs my right hon. Friend satisfied that the Board of Commissioners did in fact act entirely creditably in this matter, as I understand this civil servant has not had an opportunity of learning the basis of the charge, nor to state his case? Will he have the matter looked into, in view of the fact that a petition has been sent to him?
Mr. Creech JonesThe man was charged, but, in the light of these representations, I will look into it. A person concerned has the right to petition if he is dissatisfied with the treatment given to him.