HC Deb 13 June 1918 vol 106 cc2357-8
22. General CROFT

asked the Home Secretary whether there is a gentleman of German origin holding a responsible post in a Government office known as the Road Board; and whether, considering the fact that in this position he has access to important and confidential papers, documents, places, etc., relating to roads leading to dockyards, camps, aerodromes, munition works, etc., he will see the advisability of replacing him by a British subject of British birth, and of undoubted British origin?

Mr. BALDWIN (Joint Financial Secretary to the Treasury)

I have been asked to reply to this question. I presume that the hon. and gallant Member is referring to Mr. E. B. Wendt, a clerk in the service of the Road Board. Mr. Wendt was born of a German father and an English mother, and became a naturalised British subject when he entered the service of the Road Board at its inception in 1910. The chairman of the Road Board vouches for Mr. Wendt's integrity and loyalty, and assures me that he is a most efficient and experienced officer, whose services could not be dispensed with without serious detriment to the work of the Board.

General CROFT

Is there no other gentleman who is really qualified for this work?

General McCALMONT

Was there any reason why this gentleman should not have become naturalised before he got a Government appointment?

Mr. BALDWIN

I am afraid I have no knowledge of that.

Major NEWMAN

Is the Road Board still in existence—is it alive?

Mr. SPEAKER

That does not arise out of the question.