Hapenings in Textile Division of Supply Ministry

Manawatu Times, Volume 69, Issue 61, 15 March 1944, Page 4

Hapenings in Textile Division of Supply Ministry

COMMISSION OF INQUIRY SITTING (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, March 14. In the House to-day Mr. M. H. Oram (Manawatu), in an urgent question to the Minister of Supply (Hon. D. O. Sullivan) asked whether it was correct that a commission of inquiry were sitting this week to investigate happen ings in the textile division of the Ministry of Supply, what was the nature of the Commission’s inquiry and who constituted it, also when might the House expect a full statement from the Minister on the recent staff changes in the Ministry following reports of an investigation by the Public Service Commissioner into the issue of import licenses. Hon. D. G. Sullivan, replying, said the inquiry was proceeding at his own request in teams of the Public Service Act. Allegations of mismanagement made against a certain officer were being investigated and the inquiry was being conducted by departmental officers selected by the Public Service Commissioner. As the inquiries were still proceeding no report had yet beeu made by the Commissioner. It was not the usual practice to report staff changes in the Public Service to the House. Mr. Sullivan said the matter was reported to him some time ago in the form of a rumour and he immediately telephoned the Public Service Commissioner suggesting that he probe the matter and ascertain the truth or otherwise of the rumours circulating concerning an officer of the Department. Mr. Sullivan said he knew' of no charges against officers of the Department apart from this one reported to him. Mr. Doiage: The whole country is rile with rumours. Government voices: You manufacture them!