HC Deb 26 January 1953 vol 510 cc664-5
42. Sir H. Williams

asked the Minister of Supply if he will make a statement on the disposal of surplus vehicles to Ernest Reid and Company, Ltd., a company now in compulsory liquidation.

Mr. Sandys

In 1948 an inquiry was held, in collaboration with the police, into the circumstances in which surplus vehicles were disposed of to Ernest Reid & Co., Ltd. No evidence of irregularities was disclosed.

Sir H. Williams

Has my right hon. Friend had his attention drawn to articles in the "People" newspaper alleging that a named civil servant accepted bribes to the extent of £160,000, and if those allegations have not been followed by a writ for libel will my right hon. Friend look into the matter further?

Mr. Sandys

I have seen the article, and from memory I rather think that the civil servant in question is dead. What I would say is that the whole case was referred at the time to the Director of Public Prosecutions, who advised that the evidence available would not support a charge against any of the people concerned.

Mr. G. R. Strauss

Does not the right hon. Gentleman condemn in the strongest possible way sensational stories of this sort appearing in the Press alleging all sorts of corrupt practices for which there is apparently no justification? Is it not wholly contrary to the public interest and to the standards and reputation of our Civil Service?

Mr. Sandys

I am glad that the right hon. Gentleman has made that point. I entirely agree. It is one of the points we can agree upon.

Sir H. Williams

Is my right hon. Friend not aware that the owners of this newspaper are the same people who own the "Daily Herald"?