In reply to a question in the Commons from Mr.
Norman as to the Army stores scandal, Mr. Arnold-Forster made a detailed statement on Monday as to the history of these transactions. He explained that as the result of the Report of the Comptroller
and Auditor-General last year, the matter was taken up afresh and minutely• examined by the newly formed Accounts Branch at the War Office. He had accordingly appointed a Special Committee on January 17th, with General Sir W. Butler as Chairman, to investigate the cases of alleged malpractice and report to the Army Council; and its inquiry was still being held. He assured the House that individuals against whom misconduct or neglect could be established would be dealt with without fear or favour, but emphasised the need of proceeding with caution. In answer to further questions, Mr. Arnold-Forster gave the names of the three firms mentioned anonymously in the Comptroller and Auditor-General's Report, but said that such mention must not be regarded as proof of misconduct. As for the jettisoning of a quantity of stores of an imperishable nature, "nothing whatever could be traced to the War Office." Mr. Maconochie having pointed out, as a reason for hurrying on the debate, that the wholesale publication of contractors' names against whom nothing has been proved is doing them serious injury, Mr. Balfour assured the House that it was the earnest desire of the Government to bring on the discussion at the very first moment at which it could be "fruitfully and profitably undertaken." Further questions put in the House on Tues- day elicited the statement that no contractors' names had been removed from the War Office list on account of rations sent to South Africa.
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