HC Deb 23 November 1949 vol 470 cc354-5
31. Mr. Piratin

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will now make a statement concerning the financial irregularities and thefts revealed in the report of the principal auditor of the accounts of Cyprus during 1948.

Mr. Rees-Williams

My right hon. Friend has now received the Auditor's Report and the Governor's comments, and he is satisfied that, wherever necessary, police investigations have been instituted, or disciplinary action taken, and measures put in hand for tightening up the application of regulations.

Mr. Piratin

Is it possible for the House to have the report of that inquiry circulated, or placed in the Library? Will the hon. Gentleman reconcile, now or at some other time, the figure he gave when I last asked a question about this—that the total losses were only in the region of £800—with the official report figure of £18,739?

Mr. Rees-Williams

The report has already been published in Cyprus and I am quite sure it could easily be made available in the Library, if so desired. The amount of difference was £800 out of a total of £12 million, and the £800 largely consisted of two thefts, so I think the figure I gave was quite correct.

Mr. Piratin

The official report definitely refers to £18,739. Would the hon. Gentleman not look into the matter again, to see if, perhaps, someone is "pulling a fast one"?

Forward to