HC Deb 14 May 1941 vol 371 cc1225-6W
Mr. Ammon

asked the Minister of Aircraft Production in how many instances since the Ministry was formed have papers been lost, temporary or permanently, from public service vehicles of any kind or from privately owned vehicles.

Lieut.-Colonel Moore-Brabazon

Since the Ministry was formed eight cases have been reported in which official documents have been lost from vehicles, but on only two of these occasions were secret or confidential papers involved.

Mr. Ammon

asked the Minister of Aircraft Production whether he can now make a statement concerning papers lost in a motor-car in the Harrow Road dis- trict; who was responsible; and what action was taken by the Ministry?

Lieut.-Colonel Moore-Brabazon

Yes, Sir. The papers were in the custody of an officer of the Ministry, whose locked car containing the documents was stolen from a car park. The papers were neither secret nor confidential, and contained no information which would be of value to the enemy. In these circumstances no disciplinary action has been taken, beyond a reprimand and a warning to take the greatest care of official documents in future.