§ Sir H. Morris-Jonesasked the First Lord of the Admiralty why Vincent Furlong was placed in charge of important Admiralty stores two months after his release from prison; whether any inquiries were made about him previous to his appointment; whether the police communicated with his Department; and whether, in view of the loss of £3,000 of the nation's property, any disciplinary measures have been taken against those responsible for this appointment?
§ Captain PilkingtonVincent Furlong assumed responsibility for important stores for the first time in August, 1941, after 10 months' continuous service in the Department, during which he had shown marked ability for the work. Before his entry as a labourer, in October, 1940, all the usual inquiries were made, including reference to the local police authorities; but nothing to Furlong's detriment was revealed. Most of the misappropriated stores have been recovered, and the value of what has been lost is not £3,000, but about £350. I am satisfied that the Officer responsible for the engagement of Furlong took all the precautions that he could reasonably be expected to take, and that no disciplinary action is necessary in this case.