§ Mr. LANSBURYasked the Prime Minister if he is aware that many local authorities have framed by-laws forbidding their elected members from applying for or accepting paid positions in the service of such authorities until a period of at least twelve months has elapsed since membership ceased; and whether, in view of the great dissatisfaction caused, both inside and outside the House, by appointments made to the Civil Service of Members of this House by Government s drawn from either side of the House, he will consider the advisability of bringing in a short Bill making it illegal for a Member of this House to accept a position in the Civil Service until he has ceased to be a Member for at least twelve months.
§ The PRIME MINISTERI do not think that the two cases are analogous, and I do not see my way to proposing legislation of the kind suggested.
§ Mr. LANSBURYWill the right hon. Gentleman see that, owing to the example set to local authorities, Members of this House do not displace Civil Servants in the matter of promotion?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThey ought never to do so unless they are the fittest persons.
§ Mr. LANSBURYIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that that is the argument always used on a local authority for pitchforking a pal into a job?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI do not think the case is analogous.