CO129-607-1 Enquiry into loss of public money 22-5-1948 - 26-10-1948 — Page 37

(H)

· 4

37

We have now an Executive Grade Officer in charge of the Accounts, but he is unfortunately to go on leave in August. Until the Accountant General has given us the overhaul for which we ask, and which the Committee recommends, I regret I am not prepared to entrust this officer with the sole responsibility of collection of money from outstations,

7.

In arriving at decisions on cases of this kind, the officers concerned have regrettably to read a great deal, and the task of getting a clear and balances picture is not easy. We suggest that that task would be lightened if the officers most closely concerned, namely J. Barrow, J.T. Wakefield, Chung Yiu Kei, and Au Yeung Man, were summoned and questioned as considered necessary. Moreover, we consider that if this suggestion is followed, it should be carried out in such a way that each of the four officers gives his oral explanation in the presence of the other three, so that each may know how, if at all, the others involve him.

Mr.

As will be seen, I have exercised my discretion in allowing Wakefield to see the Committee's Report, and join in commenting. I must point out, however, that the other two officers most closely concerned, Mr. Chung Yiu Kei and Mr. Au Yeung Man, have not yet had an opportunity to see the Committee's Report, nor these our comments. If we are all to be summoned as suggested, obviously these officers should see the Committee's Report and our comments before facing oral examination.

sgd: J. Barrow,

J.T. Wakefield,

18. 6. 48