HC Deb 01 July 1918 vol 107 cc1399-400
56. Sir F. HALL

asked the Postmaster-General whether any naturalised Germans or persons of German parentage are employed in the Post Office; if so, the number and the nature of the work upon which they are engaged; and whether he will consider the advisability of such work being carried out by purely British subjects?

The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Illingworth)

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer given on the 26th ultimo to similar questions by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Mr. BILLING

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether there are any Germans employed at the Clapham High-street Post Office?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member must give notice of that question.

58. Sir F. HALL

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any naturalised Germans or persons of German parentage are employed in his Department; if so, the number and the nature of the work upon which they are engaged; and whether he will consider the advisability of such work being carried out by purely British subjects?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)

I am afraid I can add nothing to the reply which my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer gave to the hon. Member for Hertford on Wednesday last.

Sir F. HALL

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if it is to be understood that all the heads of the various Departments to whom I have put this question have put their heads together with the idea of evading this question and keeping from the House information that it desires to have?

Mr. SPEAKER

The right hon. Gentleman is only responsible for his own Department.

Sir F. HALL

On a point of Order. May I draw your attention to the fact that from each Minister I have received the same reply couched in the same words?

Mr. SPEAKER

It may be an evidence of their truth.

The following question stood on the Order Paper in the name of Sir F. HALL:

65. To ask the Under-Secretary of State for War whether any naturalised Germans or persons of German parentage are employed in the War Office; if so, the number and nature of work upon which they are engaged; and whether he will consider the advisability of such work being carried out by purely British subjects?

Sir F. HALL

In consequence of the stereotyped reply, I will not trouble the right hon. Gentleman.