§ 5. Mr. Doddsasked the Secretary of State for War if he will make a statement in respect of the criticism by the Comptroller and Auditor-General, in his report on the Army Appropriation Accounts, 1956–57, on the ordering of 1,250,000 pairs of boots and 1,000,000 half soles; how much they cost; what it is proposed to do with them; and what action has been taken or contemplated against those responsible.
§ Mr. AmeryI would refer the hon. Member to the Answer given on 3rd April by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister.
§ Mr. DoddsDoes the hon. Gentleman appreciate that the answer was not given on 3rd April? Will he now answer the Question? How much did these boots and half soles cost, and what is proposed to be done with them? Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that this was a colossal blunder which cost a lot of public money? Why does he continue to dodge the issue and say that the Answer was given on 3rd April when it was not?
§ Mr. AmeryAs the hon. Gentleman knows, this report is being examined by the Public Accounts Committee. It would be wholly improper for me to comment on its findings before they are published.