§ Mr. JARRETTasked the Minister of Labour (1) whether an inquiry has been held into the loss of a considerable sum of public money and the absconding of the finance clerk from the Clapham Junction Employment Exchange in December last; the nature of such inquiry; whether he is satisfied that it was as complete and impartial as the serious circumstances warranted;
(2) whether any complaints concerning the management of the Clapham Junction Employment Exchange have been brought to his notice?
§ Sir M. BARLOWThe inquiries with regard to the theft from the Clapham Junction Employment Exchange last December, so far as they involved the possibility of criminal proceedings, were placed in the hands of the police authorities. A full inquiry was made by the Department into the question whether any officers at the Exchange, not suspected of complicity in the theft, should be held officially responsible on account of negligence or disregard of instructions. This inquiry was carried out in accordance with the procedure prescribed for this purpose and all officers whose conduct came under review were given full opportunity to state their side of the matter. I am satisfied that the inquiry was complete and impartial. I do not know to what complaints the hon. Member refers in his second question concerning the management of the Clapham Junction Employment Exchange.