§ 21. Mr. Hollisasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that payment for articles is still being made by British troops in occupied territory in goods and cigarettes; and what steps are being taken to bring this practice to an end.
§ Mr. BellengerYes, Sir. B.A.O.R. have made such transactions a disciplinary offence, and disciplinary action has been taken in a number of cases.
§ Mr. StokesIs not my right hon. Friend aware that currency of this kind is inevitable so long as the Control Commission fail to establish the external value of the mark?
§ Mr. BellengerI do not think that is a question for me to answer.
§ Earl WintertonIn view of the serious scandal that arose in the past from this practice of exchange and barter is the Minister satisfied that all possible steps are being taken to prevent it?
§ Mr. BellengerYes, Sir, and I think that the Public Accounts Committee which investigated the matter if of the same opinion.
§ Mr. HollisIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Public Accounts Committee expressed great concern at the practice?
§ Mr. BellengerNo, Sir. I have read the Public Accounts Committee's report and the evidence, and I think that the introduction of the special currency vouchers has stopped all chances of it continuing.