BRIBERY CASES

New Zealand Herald, Volume 81, Issue 25000, 16 September 1944, Page 8

BRIBERY CASES

IMPORT LICENCES ■}/. , Lt "j■ OFFICERS LOSE POSTS •i ' < IRREGULARITIES DEBATED (S.R.) WELLINGTON, Friday The method of dealing with irregularities in the issue of import licences in the Ministry of Supply and the question of wartime appointments were exhaustively discussed in the House of Representatives today when the Departmental Estimates were being considered. Opposition members criticised the system of inquiries, which the Prime Minister and other Government speakers stated was simply in accordance with the established procedure laid down , under the Public Service Act.• „ The question was raised by Mr T, C. Webb (Opposition—Kaipara), who asked what action was being taken in regard to recent alleged irregularities concerning the issue of import licence*. If public servants had been found guilty and disciplined, then what had happened to those on the other side of the transaction ? Four Officer* Involved The Prime Minister, Mr Fraser, wh« said he was discussing the matter front the Public Service Commissioner's point of view, stated that four officers were involved. The service of one was terminated and three handed in their resignations, which were accepted. Before that was done the files were handed to the Police Department, which had advised that there was not sufficient grounds on which to take action, because the transaction ( .was more in the nature of a secret commission. One of the individuals was a regular public. ! servant, but the others were not. i Mr Fraser said he agreed that action 1 should be taken if possible against those who corrupted these men, but again there was not sufficient Anyone who set about to bribe public'servants for his own advantage committed an act of treachery, and it was also unfair to those playing the game. If there were any scrap of evidence on which proceedings could be taken he would go after these people.

"Too Much Hush-Hush" Mr W. J. Broadfoot (OppositionWaitomo) said that with restrictions and controls there would always be abuses, Rumours had been numerous that import licences were being granted to people who never imported_ anything in their lives. It was unfair to the regular importers. If there were sufficient evidence to cause a man's dismissal, then it was strange there was not enough for a prosecution. The Prime Minister: The police say no. ■ ■ Mr Broadfoot said it gave the general public the idea that there was a desire to keep something quiet. There had been far too much husli-hush. He agreed that the main culprits were the people who made the bribe, and they should go to any lengths to lay them by the heels. It was a pity the Minister of Supply had not jumped into the breach and denied the allegations when they were made. Auckland Man's Report ; . The Minister of Supply said lie concurred in the opinions expressed by the % Prime Minister and the members of tha Opposition that those who tried to debauch public servants should be punished. The members of the Public Service felt very strongly that way, too. The Minister recalled that a business man from Auckland had called on him and told him there were rumours in circulation that a certain man in the textile division of the Supply Department was suspected of accepting considerations in connection with his recommendations of sponsorship. Immediately the man left the office, the Minister said, he rang the Public Service Commissioner • and 'related the story to him and suggested that probably the right course was to initiate an inquiry. That was done. Public servants were appointed by the Public Service Commissioner and the Minister had no say or part in regard to who should be appointed. Commissioner's Decision The Minister said he understood that in the course of the inquiry some of the men wanted to resign, but they were not permitted to do so until the report had been made to the Public Service Commissioner, who decided that one should be dismissed and three permitted to resign. Mr Doidge: Who was the man dismissed ? ... The Minister said he did „not know that he should give the man's name over the air. That seemed to him a bit tough. The man had been convicted and dismissed, and was it reasonable that his name should be bandied over the air? The Public Service also hold the view that people who endeavoured to debauch it should be prosecuted, but,, he took it there was no duty to do so if the Police Department and the Crown Law Office advised that there was no course of action. Position "Unsatisfactory Mr W. A. Bodkin (Opposition—Central Otago) said the position disclosed by the Minister was unsatisfactory ana should not be tolerated. Nothing, could be worse during wartime than circumstances where an unscrupulous wealthy importer could bribe underpaid Pub' lo Servants to get a licence from which he could recoup himself. There were many who would willingly give a bribe to get b> licence. The Prime Minister: I must defend private enterprise on this occasion. I ao not believe it for a moment and is a reflection also on the men Miidling the licensing system. I do not thins there are many such businessmen. It was known, said Mr Bodkin, tha many people had been pitchforked mw the Civil Service. Inquiries which were conducted were done behind doors to defend appointees o of , tJ j? Government instead of being heia openly with the press present. Prime Minister's Reply The Prime Minister said that taking the whole of the Public Service into consideration the results of their ministration were creditable to the stau and the results remarkably good. It dJQ not follow that where a unsatisfactory he was dishonest. of the people who had of necessity. W be brought into the service in wartia# were unaccustomed to dealing with toe public and had overstepped the mars when dressed with a little authority which he hoped would be brief. To say there was secrecy over inquiries was utter nonsense and rubbish. It was an elementary principle of British ] us r??f that no one could be deemed gun l ?., until convicted on trial by a Court. Mr F. W. Doidge (Opposition-Tail" ranga) said there had been many stones going around concerning the issue or import licences and some had wen brought to him personally. He advised that in each district t» e people form their own committees and report on instances to tne Minister. • 4 The Prime Minister: Hear, hear. » very good suggestion. . . hv The discussion was continued other speakers and the vote was approved after about three hours' debate/

SYDNEY FLYING-BOAT The following passengers_ left for Sya- r ney by a Tasman Empire Airways flyins*;, r "< boat Vesterday:— Sir H. Scott, L. Harris, Vf. Joyner; A. Staley, »* Gullet, W. Scotland. F. N. Ambler, G. Ambler, H. Collinson, B, Hansen, Mesdames F. Blackmail, R. • Misses K. Fitzgerald. At Archibald. . Norris. ; i-' : Sr