§ 47. Sir ARTHUR MARKHAMasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has 359 been directed to the growing practice of high Government officials on retirement from the public service with pensions accepting immediately, or shortly afterwards, salaried offices from trading companies whose trading operations were, while these high officials were in the public service, worked under regulations drawn up by them; and whether he will say what steps, if any, he proposes to take to put a stop to Government officials accepting offices in such aforesaid companies?
§ The PRIME MINISTERAs I have already stated, I see no reason to interfere with the discretion of ex-Civil Servants as regards their acceptance of such appointments unless public interests are adversely affected.
§ Sir A. MARKHAMWill the right hon. Gentleman make a statement on behalf of the Government, that in the opinion of the Government it is highly undesirable that public servants who have been making contracts with private firms should receive these appointments, and will he take steps to see that in all future appointments of Civil servants it is made a condition that these appointments are not accepted?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI do not think such a case as the hon. Gentleman suggests has occurred.
§ Sir A. MARKHAMThere was one occurred yesterday.
§ Mr. KELLAWAYWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of issuing a Return showing how many ex-Civil Servants have accepted positions as directors or otherwise of companies with whom, as Civil servants, they have had associations?
§ Sir A. MARKHAMMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that the Director of Naval Construction, who had the giving out of large contracts, yesterday, as reported in the Press, received an appointment on the directorate of Armstrong, Whitworth and Company?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI do not think that is a fact; but if my hon. Friend will put down a question I will answer it.