§ 49. Mr. DOUGLAS HALLasked whether, in order to avoid the growing scandal of officials of the Civil Service and officers of the Army and the Navy leaving the service of the Crown to take up posts. in public companies and private firms which have large contractural relations with the branches of His Majesty's. service with which such officers were previously connected, he will consider the advisability of making it known that in future no contracts will be placed with any company or firm which employs officers or officials of the Government who have quite recently left the Government service?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe question is one which is of difficulty and requires-serious consideration. I am afraid the remedy proposed by the hon. Member might in some cases deprive the Government of the power of entering into contracts beneficial to the public service.