DEPARTMENTAL INQUIRY

Auckland Star, Volume LXXV, Issue 63, 15 March 1944, Page 2

DEPARTMENTAL INQUIRY

MISMANAGEMENT ALLEGED (By Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, this day. The steps being taken to investigate an allegation against an officer of the Ministry of Supply were outlined yesterday in the House of Representatives by the Minister in charge of the Department, Mr. Sullivan, in reply to an urgent question by Mr. Oram (Nat., Manawatu). "It is at my request that an inquiry is proceeding," replied the Minister of Supply, who added that when rumours of mismanagement were mentioned to him by an individual he instantly telephoned the Public Service Commissioner, suggesting that the allegations be probed. The inquiry was being heard by Departmental officers selected by the Public Service Commissioner. As the investigation was still proceeding no report so far had been made. Answering a question regarding reported staff changes in the Ministry of Supply, Mr. Sullivan said it was not the usual practice to report staff changes in the Public Service to the House. So far as he was aware, apart from a stateihent that had been made to him, no charges had been made against officers of the Department Mr. Doidge (Nat., Tauranga): You know the whole country is rife with rumours. (Government laughter.) Mr. Thorn (Govt., Thames): You manufacture them.