EXTRAVAGANT EXPENDITURE.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 14984, 11 August 1919, Page 3

EXTRAVAGANT EXPENDITURE.

REVELATIONS IN BRITAIN. (

GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS CON.

DEMNED,

lElec. Tel. Copyright— United Press Assn.) (Australian ajid i\.Z. Cnulc is-ociation) (Received August 11, 11.10 a.m.) LONDON, August 9.

Mr Chamberlain's disclosures of the serious financial situation have resulted m a widespread protest against Government expenditure.

The House of Commons Select Committee on Public Expenditure has completed the third report, which deals with the closing stages of the war. 1 1 is understood it reveals grave wastefulness and suggests that flagrant cases of profiteering deserve prosecution. Cabinet is investigating the entire position. It is. anticipated that revise 1 estimates for the fighting services will be submitted, showing considerable reductions.

Sir John Hunter, Administrator cf Works, testified that he discovered a conspiracy between Government men and contractors m connection with tin aerodrame contract, and had four arrested. They were liberated after being four monthß on bail, the Lord Advocate, who declined to prosecute, declaring there was no evidence that they were applying the moneys to their own use, and that prosecution would reveal apparent inefficiency and absence of control on the part of the Air Ministry's local representatives. Sir John Hunter protested against such a view, and subsequently vainly urged the ' Lord Advo cate to reconsider his decision. Sir Johii Hunter emphasised the point that time sheets were falsified and .wages paid for persons who did not exist.

The Committee expressed regret at the attitude of the Lord Advocate, and added that when cases of negligence or fraud were discovered action should be taken against the offenders, regardless of whether they were officials of the Department or not.