§ Mr. N. MACLEANasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office (1) whether 1664W authority was given to the chief officer commanding, Scottish Command, to use military stationery in connection with the recent Scottish military pageant.; and, if not, whether he will take steps to prevent the misuse of such stationery in future;
(2) whether the accounts of the recent Scottish military pageant have yet been audited; whether they were audited by a non-military auditor and, if so, by whom; and whether he will arrange for their publication in full:
(3) what were the total income and total expenditure of the recent Scottish military pageant; what proportion did the expenses bear to the income; and what evidence will be given that the available income will be well administered and distributed?
§ Mr. HACKINGThe stationery used for all correspondence relating to the pageant which emanated from the Scottish command headquarters or the pageant office was purchased from the funds of the pageant. The accounts have not yet been closed. Arrangements have already been made for them to be audited by a civilian firm of accountants. In addition, the Army auditor examines the accounts to ensure that the pageant funds pay for any public stores consumed or damaged. I understand that, subject to audit, the income was £4,754 and the expenditure £2,275; the proportion of expenses to income being approximately 48 per cent. The object of the pageant was to create a trust for the welfare of troops in Scotland. Trustees have been appointed to administer the fund, and the United Services trustee is custodian trustee.