HC Deb 18 December 1947 vol 445 cc401-2W
155. Mr. Dye

asked the Minister of Agriculture why Mr. Pegler, Labour Officer at the Cockley Cley Camp, has been given one month's salary in lieu of notice to terminate his engagement with the Norfolk War Agricultural Executive Committee without any specified reason or any charges made against him to which he has had an opportunity to reply.

Mr. G. Brown

I cannot accept the statement in the last part of the Question. The committee of inquiry referred to in the answer to my hon. Friend's Question of 15th December informed Mr. Pegler that they were dissatisfied with his conduct and asked him for an explanation. This was not regarded as satisfactory. Mr. Pegler's appointment was terminated in accordance with his contract of service.

156. Mr. Dye

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the irregularities that have occured over a long period in the management of prisoner of war labour in Norfolk he will hold an impartial inquiry with full power to call witnesses and examine accounts at the earliest opportunity.

Mr. G. Brown

As explained to my hon. Friend on 15th December, an inquiry has already been held into the irregularities that had been alleged. Unless my right hon. Friend is furnished with evidence of other irregularities he sees no reason for the holding of a further inquiry.