§ Sir WILLIAM BYLESasked the Prime Minister whether two eminent Civil servants recently retired have entered the service of a firm or firms engaged on the manufacture of armaments for the Government; whether he has considered the effect of such a transference of knowledge acquired in the public service upon the public interest; whether these gentlemen are in receipt of pensions from the State; and, if so, whether the Government can prevent the recurrence of similar re-engagements of Civil servants upon their retirement?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe answer to the first three portions of the question is in the affirmative. As at present advised, I see no reason to interfere with the discretion of the ex-Civil servants as regards their acceptance of such appointments, unless public interests are adversely affected.
§ Mr. KINGHas the right hon. Gentleman considered that these directorships raise important national questions of a unique and unprecedented character?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo, Sir, I have not sufficient knowledge to answer that question.