§ 40. Mr. Shinwellasked the Minister of Defence whether, in view of the Reports by the Select Committee on Estimates and the Public Accounts Committee disclosing excessive purchase of stores and equipment for military purposes and consequent waste, he will take disciplinary action against the officials responsible.
§ Mr. SandysWhile accepting the general conclusions of the Select Committee, I am not satisfied that disciplinary action would be justified.
§ Mr. ShinwellWill not the right hon. Gentleman agree that a very shocking state of affairs has been disclosed in these two Reports? Surely, if any person employed in a private undertaking were responsible for such acts he would be dealt with—why should these people escape?
§ Mr. SandysI am not prepared in a general way to say that disciplinary action is justified, but my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War has already answered questions on this subject and made it quite clear that he is not satisfied with the position and is looking into the matter with a view to seeing what action is required.
§ Mr. NabarroWho bought the blanco?