HC Deb 03 March 1915 vol 70 c773
3. Sir WILLIAM BULL

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that a firm of constructional engineers under contract with the Government have in their employ a German draftsman whose services they are still retaining; that this man has been employed on drawings and plans of an existing East Coast aerial station; that, after having been removed from the works, he still continued to do his work for the firm from his private house; and that this man communicates with his friends in Germany through a neutral country; and what action it is propos ed to take?

Dr. MACNAMARA

The firm referred to had a draftsman on their staff—a German subject. We made inquiry into the matter, insisting that none but natural born British subjects should be employed on our work. We were informed by the firm that they were no longer employing the man in their office; but that they had given him work, which bad no connection with the Admiralty or any other Government Department at his own home. I understand that the man is no longer in the employment of the firm in any capacity whatever.