§ 45. Mr. JAMES HOPEasked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government is prepared to accept the principle that every holder of political and permanent office shall be debarred from speculation; and, in that case, what steps they propose to take to establish this principle as an inflexible rule of the public service?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI doubt whether the principle stated in such wide and general terms is capable of being practically enforced. I laid down what seem to me to be the rules applicable to the matter in my speech in this House on 10th June of last year.
§ Mr. HOPEDoes the right hon. Gentleman propose to take no steps to enforce the principle which he laid down last year?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo. I do not see any occasion for doing so.
§ Lord ROBERT CECILDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that the report of the Committee in another place does furnish occasion for taking action?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am not aware of anything which has happened since my speech last year requiring me to remind Ministers or civil servants of their obligations.
§ Mr. JAMES HOGGEDoes this speculation apply to the date of the next General Election?