§ MR. ARTHUR O'CONNOR (Donegal, E.)asked the hon. Baronet the Member for the Blackpool Division of Lancashire, Whether he is aware of representations having been made to the Secretary of the Civil Establishments Commission by a writer in the Customs Department, who recently appeared as a witness before the Commission, to the effect that he has since been called to account by the Customs Authorities in respect of his evidence; whether he actually received notice of discharge from the Service; and, whether the Commission are in a position to protect the witnesses who may come before them?
§ SIR MATTHEW WHITE RIDLEY (Lancashire, N., Blackpool)Yes, Sir; representations were made to our Secretary by a writer in the Customs Department that he had got into difficulties with the Board, and that those difficulties had some connection with evidence which he had given before the Commission. I understand that he did receive notice of discharge. I am glad, however, to be able to state that the difficulties in question have been removed, and that the notice of discharge did not take effect. As to whether the Commission are in a position to protect the witnesses who may come before them, I am happy to be able to assure the hon. Member and the Service generally that no occasion for such protection has arisen during the course of our inquiry, nor did this particular case reach the stage of intervention by the Commission. Unquestionably, however, it is our recognized duty to protect all witnesses in the free expression of their opinions; and we shall do all that is in cur power in this direction if, unhappily, the necessity should arise.
§ MR. ARTHUR O'CONNORasked the First Lord of the Treasury, whether to members of the Civil Service who might offer evidence, and thus expose themselves to severe punishment for a trivial official delinquency, he would guarantee an appeal to the Treasury for protection?
§ THE FIRST LORD (Mr. W. H. SMITH) (Strand, Westminster)I can assure the hon. Member that Civil servants will always find in the Treasury an authority capable of sustaining any rights they may possess.
§ MR. ARTHUR O'CONNORAnd willing?