BRITISH POLITICS.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 August 1919, Page 5

BRITISH POLITICS.

PROBING THE FINANCIAL SITUATION. CONSPIRACY OF CONTRACTORS AND OFFICIALS. By Telegraph.—Press Asjn.—Copyrlght. London, August 9. Mr> Chamberlain's disclosure's of the serious financial situation has resulted in a widespread protest against Government expenditure. The House of Commons select committee on public expenditure has completed its third report, which deals with the closing stages of tho war. It is understood that it reveals grave wastefulness and suggests that flagrant cases of.profiteering deserve prosecution. Cabinet is investigating the entire position, and it is anticipated that revised estimates for the fighting services will bo submitted, showing considerable reductions. Sir John Hunter, Administrator of Works, giivc evidence that he discovered a conspiracy between Government men and contractors in connection with ah aerodrome contract, and had four arrested. They were liberated after four months on bail by the Lord Advocate, who declined to prosecute, declaring that there was no evidence that they were applying the mpneys to their own use and that the prosecution would reveal apparent inefficiency and absence of control on the part of the local representatives of the Air Ministry. Sir John Hunter protested against such a view, and subsequently vainly urged the tod Advocate to reconsider* his decision. Sir John emphasised the point time sheets were falsifiod and wages paid for persons who did not exist. The committee expressed regret at tho attitude of the Lord Advocate, and added that when cases of, negligence of fraud were discovered action should be taken again the offenders regardless of 'whether they were officials of the department or not.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. • THE PROFITEERING BILL. London, August 0. The Profiteering Bill empowers local authorities to enter business and empowers the Board of Trade to investigate , costs, prices, and profits.