§ 35. Mr. WEDGWOODasked the Secretary for the Colonies what steps, if any, he has taken lately to prevent Governors and other Colonial Office officials from be coming directors or promoters of public companies after their retirement?
Mr. HARCOURTI have recently given much consideration to the question which my hon. Friend raises; it is one which is by no means free from difficulty, but I am taking steps to procure the Amendment of pension legislation in the various Crown Colonies and Protectorates so as to prevent any retiring officer from becoming a director or employé of any company operating in the Colony or Protectorate from which he has retired without permission in writing from the Governor of such Colony or Protectorate.
§ Mr. WEDGWOODHas the right hon. Gentleman sent round a circular or letter to the Governors indicating that such a course of action on their part is undesirable?
Mr. HARCOURTA circular is being prepared in connection with the legislation which will be necessary.
§ Sir J. D. REESIf the Regulation is laid down, will it refer to the retiring Governors themselves?
Mr. HARCOURTCertainly; the words are intended to cover the case of retiring Governors as well as other officials.
§ Sir J. D. REESIn framing the Regulations, will the right hon. Gentleman take note of the fact that these retiring Governors are often men of large abilities but 516 small incomes, and that their activities should not therefore be too circumscribed in this respect?
Mr. HARCOURTThe new rule is directed rather against their activities in the Colonies. Their activities in other places will not be interfered with.