§ Mr. KINGasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he was aware that two gentlemen recently retired from the public service had become directors of Armstrong's, Limited; whether these gentlemen held retiring pensions; whether, if so, their pensions were held on conditions which precluded them accepting such directorships; and whether, in future, retiring pensions would be granted subject to the condition that the Treasury might exercise a veto on their holders joining the boards of public companies?
§ Mr. MASTERMANThe answer to the first and second parts of the question is in the affirmative; to the third and fourth in the negative. The Treasury have no legal right under existing powers to impose a condition of the kind suggested.
§ Mr. KINGWill the hon. Gentleman give us an opportunity, on the Estimates or otherwise, of discussing this whole question, which is very important?
§ Mr. MASTERMANThat question should be addressed to the Prime Minister.