HC Deb 24 February 1888 vol 322 cc1367-8
MR. T. P. O'CONNOR (Liverpool, Scotland)

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, Whether Mr. F. Werter Smith, the paid Secretary of the Conservative Association and Secretary of Mr. Darling's Committee, is a Lower Division clerk in the Admiralty; and, whether the only difference between Mr. Werter Smith and Mr. C. H. Andrews is that the former is paid for his services to the Conservative Party, and the latter acts in an honorary capacity?

THE FIRST LORD (Lord GEORGE HAMILTON) (Middlesex, Ealing)

Mr. Werter Smith is the Secretary of the Conservative Association in Deptford, and he is also a Lower Division clerk in the Admiralty. The second part of the hon. Gentleman's Question shows that he did not understand the answer which I gave on Tuesday last in reference to certain Dockyard Regulations laid down for the guidance of officials employed in those Departments. The object of the Rule which I then read out is not to prevent persons in the employ of the Government from voting or taking part in political contests. It is to restrain officials who are placed in positions of authority over employés in Government establishments from taking such a part in political elections as would enable them to politically influence those over whom they have official authority.

MR. T. P. O'CONNOR

asked whether the noble Lord would be prepared to proceed against such a Head of a Department who unduly used his political influence?

LORD GEORGE HAMILTON

Undoubtedly. Any official connected with the Admiralty who infringes the Dockyard Regulations will be liable to punishment, quite irrespective of political Party.

MR. ARTHUR O'CONNOR (Donegal, E.)

wished to ask the First Lord of the Treasury, in reference to the last answer, whether the same Rules obtained in all the Departments of the Public Service as obtained in the Admiralty?

THE FIRST LORD (Mr. W. H. SMITH) (Strand, Westminster)

I must have Notice of that Question. I can only say, from my general knowledge, that the same principle absolutely and impartially prevails in all Government Departments.

MR. ARTHUR O'CONNOR

In the Inland Revenue?

MR. W. H. SMITH

I believe so.