§ 58. Brigadier-General CROFTasked the Lord Privy Seal whether Colonel Spurrier, of the Disposal Board, himself negotiated the sale of the St. Omer dump with Messrs. Leyland Brothers; and, if so, what steps His Majesty's Government intend to take to prevent any future abuses of the customs and traditions of the Civil Service?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWColonel Spurrier only so far negotiated the sale to Leyland Motors in that he carried out the express instructions of Mr. Dawson and the Minister of Munitions on the subject.
§ Brigadier-General CROFTIn view of the statements made last week that Colonel Spurrier went to St. Omer in order to arrange for the sale of this dump to a firm of which his brother was chairman, and took a considerable part in suggesting what goods should be included in the contract, will the right hon. Gentleman give an early date for the discussion of the whole question?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWMy hon. Friend has, I fancy, forgotten what I have told him on the last occasion—that the initiative in asking firms is on the express instructions of the Minister of Munitions himself. Colonel Spurrier acted as a subordinate, and had no say whatever in the terms of the contract. I would venture to suggest to my hon. Friend that each of these public servants has probably as tender a regard for his own reputation as any of us, and in the case especially of a gallant officer who served in the War, as Colonel Spurrier did, it is not too much to ask that persons should make investigations before indulging in insinuations.
§ Brigadier-General CROFTIs it or is it not a fact that the Ministry of Munitions sent Colonel Spurrier to effect this sale with Messrs. Leyland Brothers? If the right hon. Gentleman cannot answer that, I beg to give notice that I will raise it on the Adjournment on Monday night.
§ Mr. BOTTOMLEYIs it in order for a Minister of the Crown to rebuke Members 1413 of this House for putting down questions which they feel it their honest duty to put down?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI did not know I rebuked him, but I did venture to express my own opinion, because I think it is incumbent on the head of the Government, or whoever is acting for him, to protect public servants when he thinks they are unjustly attacked.
§ Brigadier-General CROFTIs it not a fact that there has been no word of imputation regarding this officer, but simply the question of broad principle as to whether a public servant shall sell goods to his brother?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWNo, Sir; I am afraid it went further than that. Whether it was intended or not, the question did suggest that special use was made by this gentleman of his position in the Ministry of Munitions to help his relatives.
§ Mr. A. WILLIAMSCould not questions of this kind be referred to the Select Committee on National Expenditure before being raised in this House?
Mr. J. JONESWill the right hon. Gentleman say that he will stop hon. Members from selling to one another?