56.
asked the Secretary of State for War what thefts of War Department property have taken place in Singapore during the past six months; how they occurred; and what steps are being taken to prevent such practices.
My hon. Friend has no doubt in mind the recent theft which has had some publicity, including much exaggerated estimates of the loss. In fact, there have been six thefts of vehicles and stores of a total value of about £27,500 and 15 lesser cases of pilferage of a total value of about £200. Of the cases where investigations have been completed, one was due to fraud by a civilian employee, and the rest were due to theft by civilians. The most important safeguard is strict stores accounting, and special attention is being paid to this matter.