§ 51. Sir HENRY CRAIKasked the Prime Minister whether the oath of allegiance recently instituted for Civil servants is not required of persons temporarily employed in Government Departments; and, if so, why it is considered desirable to exempt persons temporarily employed in time of war, often on very confidential duties, from an oath which has been decided to be advisable in the case of pensionable permanent Civil servants?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWAs I stated in answer to a question by my right hon. Friend on the 22nd July last, the Govern- 433 ment decided to apply the oath of allegiance to established Civil servants in Government offices. This is being done, and it is not considered desirable further to extend it.
§ Sir H. CRAIKDoes the right hon. Gentleman mean temporary or permanent employes?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWAs my right hon. Friend suggests in his question there is no logical difference, but there is a great practical difference. Men have been temporarily employed in Government Departments who are citizens of Allied states and it is obvious that it cannot be applied to them.
§ Mr. PRINGLEHas the Government considered the question of the reimposition of the oath against transubstantiation?