§ 62. Mr. SNOWDENasked the Prime Minister what are the Regulations governing the participation of Civil servants in politics; what are the Regulations governing Civil servants becoming candidates for Parliament; if the conduct of Sir James Leishman, chairman of the Scottish Health Insurance Commission, in attempting to induce Members of Parliament to resign their seats to provide a constituency for Sir George McCrea, another permanent Civil servant, is in conformity with the Regulations; if Sir George McCrea is conforming to the Regulations in seeking to become a Parliamentary candidate without having resigned his position; and what action is being taken upon the conduct of these Civil servants?
§ Mr. S. BALDWIN (Lord of the Treasury)My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. Under the Order in Council of the 10th January, 1910, any Civil servant seeking a seat in the House of Commons is required to resign his office so soon as he issues his address to the electors, or in any other manner publicly announces himself as a candidate. With regard to the general question of the participation of Civil servants in politics, I may refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him by the late First 2039 Lord on the 28th October, 1909. I am not aware that Sir George McCrea or Sir James Leishman has infringed the Regulations; if the hon. Member will supply me with particulars as to the allegations made, I will cause inquiry to be instituted.