§ Mr. FIELDasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will make inquiry respecting the manner in which the store accounts at Island Bridge have been kept up to a recent date; whether he will have inquiry made as to irregularities in the public accounts for which the clerk in 1139W charge was held to be responsible; will he say if these matters were reported to the War Office or what other action was taken; and if the store accounts have been manipulated in a manner forbidden by the Departmental regulations?
The Hon. MEMBERfurther asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that recently a clerical subordinate at Island Bridge was brought to notice for inefficiency, who had several times been brought to notice for neglect of duty; and whether he will say why this subordinate is differently treated to Mr. Holland, who was supposed to have been discharged for inefficiency?
§ Mr. HALDANE:These questions appear to refer to the case of a foreman writer who committed some minor breaches of the Departmental regulations. It is considered that the disciplinary action taken was quite sufficient, and I do not propose to make further inquiry. The case of Mr. Holland, who was discharged for incompetency, is quite different.
§ Mr. FIELDasked the Secretary of State for War whether he can state on what lines investigation as to the loss of stores within the Department are conducted at Island Bridge; and whether the subordinates or others charged with the custody of stores have any choice as to the workmen they employ under their supervision?
§ Mr. HALDANE:The local inquiries are always carried out in accordance with the instructions contained in the King's Regulations. The subordinates charged with the custody of stores have no choice as to the workmen employed under their supervision. It should be added, however, that only men of good character are engaged.