GIFTS OF WARSHIPS

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 277, 17 August 1921, Page 5

GIFTS OF WARSHIPS

AND VAST QUANTITIES OF STORES MADE WITHOUT CONSENT OF PARLIAMENT By Telegraph—Pres* Association— Copyright (Roc.'August 16, 8.20 p.m.) London, August 16. The report of the sub-committee on public accounts was issued to-day. It says it is clearly a serious matter that warships should bo given away without tho consent of Parliament. "We note that the Encounter, with guns and stores, three mine-sweeping sloops valued at £73,000 each, ami tra> submarine engines with spares, were awZthus given to Australia, also two submarines to Cnaada. From the Army accounts wo find that surplus non-mnrke’tablo stores valued at two millions when new', were handed over to Poland gratis, with the Treasury sanction. Seventeen millions worth of stores, in addition to cash amounting to six and a half millions, were similarly given to Russia. Also fifty surplus aeroplanes wore given to Greece. The committee adds: “No doubt during the war it may not always have been possible to await Parliamentary sanction, but tho whole of the above gifts wore made long after the armistice.” —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.