HC Deb 31 July 1911 vol 29 cc6-7
Mr. GLYN-JONES

asked the Secretary to the. Treasury what steps, if any, have been taken by the Government to stop the practice of giving special trading facilities to the Civil Service Supply Association, Limited, for trading on Government premises and in Government time with officials and others engaged in various Government Departments?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Hobhouse)

Enquiry has been made at the following Departments: War Office, Admiralty, General Post Office, Customs and Excise, Inland Revenue, and I am informed that all of them prefer the system which at present prevails, and which does not prevent the full and proper performance of the official duties of the officers of the respective Departments.

Mr. GLYN-JONES

Arising out of that answer, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he does not see there are other interests than those of the staff at stake here, and whether he thinks it fair to the private traders who have to compete that these special privileges should be given?

Mr. HINDS

May I ask whether the same privileges will be given to other private traders?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

This is not a system I should have originated, but finding it in force, and finding a great number of the staff are in favour of its continuation, I think probably less injustice would be done by its continuation than by its abrogation.