§ 5. Mr. H. A. Priceasked the Secretary of State for War how much his Department paid to the Bureau of Current Affairs for posters distributed to military establishments during 1946, 1947, 1948 and 1949.
§ The Secretary of State for War (Mr. Strachey)"Map Review" posters distributed to military establishments are purchased from the Bureau of Current Affairs by His Majesty's Stationery Office. I understand that the cost in the period 1st April, 1946, when purchases began, to 31st December, 1946, was some £9,800, and in the three subsequent calendar years was £9,000, £5,400 and £3,600 respectively.
§ Mr. PriceIn view of the fact that much of this money was spent on posters of admittedly undesirable content, will the right hon. Gentleman tell the House whether disciplinary action has been taken against the officer responsible for this misuse of public funds, and who negotiated the contracts on behalf of the B.C.A.?
§ Mr. StracheyI could not necessarily admit the implications in the hon. Gentleman's statement on the matter. Therefore, I do not think that any question of disciplinary action arises.