HC Deb 03 April 1917 vol 92 cc1123-4
44. Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

asked the Prime Minister whether among the speakers who addressed him on behalf of a deputation to advocate women suffrage on Thursday last was one of the principal lady officials of the Home Office; if so, whether it is in accordance with the principles which have hitherto regulated the Civil Service that a chief officer of a Government Department should take a prominent part in any political movement; and whether this case is to be regarded as a precedent for the future?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; with regard to the second part of the question, in view of the fact that the circumstances on this occasion were exceptional, the Prime Minister thought it right to give special permission to women officials in the Civil Service to attend the deputation, and it was in pursuance of this general permission that the lady referred to in the question attended and spoke. The answer to the third part of the question is in the negative.

Sir C. HENRY

In what sense was this deputation exceptional?

Mr. BONAR LAW

It was exceptional in the sense that an effort has been made, with a certain amount of success, to treat this as a non-controversial question.

Sir C. HENRY

Does my right hon. Friend expect to succeed in that view?

Sir J. D. REES

Will the apology take the form of a palinode?

Sir S. COLLINS

Now that a precedent has been set up, will Civil servants generally have the opportunity of taking part in public matters? [HON- MEMBERS: "No !"]