§ 86. Mr. Collinsasked the Secretary of State for War if the person or persons responsible for defrauding hundreds of repatriated men who landed recently at Southampton on the s. s. "Ormonde," of the money advanced to pay for telegrams advising relatives of their arrival, have been apprehended; and whether any disciplinary action has been taken with the officials responsible for the landing arrangements.
Mr. Bellenģer:Owing to the period that elapsed between the arrival of s. s. 290W " Ormonde" and the discovery of the alleged fraud, by which time the majority of the personnel concerned were dispersed, investigations into the case have been very difficult and, so far. inconclusive. The investigations are continuing, but my right hon. Friend has given instructions that a Court of Inquiry shall he set up. The system for collecting and accounting for similar telegrams and money has been overhauled and fresh instructions have been issued with a view to preventing a recurrence.