HC Deb 08 May 1905 vol 145 c1146
MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether, having regard to the fact that members of the present Administration hold amongst them upwards of seventy directorships of public companies, he will insist on resignation by the gentleman whom he may appoint to the vacant Junior Lordship of the Treasury, if he be a public company director, of his public company directorships.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

The hon. Member knows my views on this subject, and I do not accept his facts. But the general opinions which I hold on the question of holding office under the Government and directorships have often been stated to the House.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman in making these appointments will bear in mind that the present Gentlemen connected with the Treasury hold no fewer than ten directorships among them.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

No Sir, I do not think that that affects the question.