§ 18. Mr. Bramallasked the Secretary of State for War what disciplinary action he is taking against the camp authorities of 18 Polish Recalcitrant camp as a consequence of the discovery there of a store of arms, jewellery, money, silk stockings and other scarce goods.
§ 23. Mr. Piratinasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will make a report on the arrest of 53 Poles found in possession of a store of arms and other equipment, stating the source of these arms; and whether there is any information as to the purpose for which they were to be used.
§ Mr. BellengerThe desirability of taking disciplinary action against the camp authorities has been considered, but it does not appear that the circumstances would justify such action. The civil police are considering alleged cases of stolen property. Much as I should deplore stealing by members of the Polish Forces, I would point out that the quantity and value of goods discovered in this case was in fact quite small. The number of arms found was insignificant.
§ Mr. BramallDoes not my right hon. Friend think that the discovery of any size of store of arms and stolen black market goods in a military camp casts a very considerable reflection on the discipline maintained at that camp?
§ Mr. BellengerI certainly deprecate any stolen goods or arms being found in any camp, whether it is a Polish or an English camp, and I am now considering what action should be taken against those individuals for holding those goods. Perhaps the House would like to know what the stolen goods amounted to. There were no silk stockings or jewellery, and only one Post Office savings book.
§ Mr. BeswickHas my right hon. Friend's attention been drawn to a reported statement made by the mayor of Thetford that members of the Polish Forces paid into the local banks between £35,000 and £40,000 per week, and can he give any indication where that money is coming from?
§ Mr. BellengerNo, Sir. I should be glad to have full information, but I should say that this is a matter for the civil police to undertake.
§ Mr. ScollanCould my right hon. Friend tell the House exactly how much value is allowed to be found before action is taken?
§ Mr. BellengerWe are concerned only with the illegal holding of military stores, and we shall take action on that. With regard to the civilian stolen property, that is a matter for the civilian police.
§ Mr. MikardoDoes my right hon. Friend think that this degree of leniency would have been shown if British troops instead of Polish troops had been involved?
§ Mr. PiratinOn a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. With all respect to you, I would call your attention to the fact that I put down Question No. 23, that I have stood up on every occasion to ask a supplementary question, but have not been called.
§ Mr. SpeakerI did not notice that these two questions were taken together. I am sorry, and I will now call the hon. Member.
§ Mr. PiratinCan the Minister make a statement concerning the last part of my Question—whether there is any information as to the purpose for which these arms were to be used? Surely, if some investigation had taken place, the cause would be known and could be communicated to the House? Could the Minister give any indication why these arms were being stored there?
§ Mr. BellengerI am concerned to see that these arms are taken away from the Poles who should not hold them.
§ Mr. DribergExcept in guards of honour at funerals.