§ 32. Sir John Mellorasked the Secretary of State for War what changes have recently been made in the staff of his printing department; and why they were necessary.
§ Mr. ShinwellDisciplinary action, not involving changes in the staff, has recently been taken against certain members of the staff of a subsection of my department which carries out photo-printing work, arising out of the irregular performance of some work not on the public service.
§ Sir J. MellorCan the right hon. Gentleman say for whom this work was done, and its value?
§ Mr. ShinwellThe work was done for a private enterprise firm outside the War Office, and the value of the work is estimated at about £115. The cost of the paper was £25.
§ Sir J. MellorIs it not a very serious matter? Why, in the circumstances, was not more drastic action taken?
§ Mr. ShinwellIt was a very irregular practice indeed, and action is being taken.