HC Deb 30 November 1948 vol 458 c1805
37. Mr. Keeling

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can make a statement as to the extent of the theft of stores in transit from Palestine, India and Pakistan to warehouses in the United Kingdom.

38. Mr. Sidney Shephard

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will make a statement regarding the pilfering of Army stores arriving in Britain from bases overseas.

Mr. M. Stewart

Small losses in transit do occur, but they have been infinitesimal in comparison with the quantity of clothing and stores handled.

Mr. Keeling

But would the Under-Secretary answer my Question, which is as to the extent? What is the amount?

Mr. Stewart

During the period between 1st April of this year and 15th November, the discrepancy between the stores received and the consignors' issue vouchers amounted to some 0.16 per cent.

Sir Wavell Wakefield

0.16 per cent. of what? Can we have some figures?

Mr. Stewart

0.16 per cent. of the amount consigned.