§ 41. Captain Viscount CURZONasked the Prime Minister whether it is yet possible to state the name of the 32 successor in office to Sir Basil Thomson; and, if not, whether the appointment will be made before the House rises?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo successor has yet been appointed. The position is an important one and the Government are anxious, if possible, to secure the services of someone who acquired experience and distinction in that branch of work during the War. I cannot say whether we can succeed in doing so before the House rises, but we are losing no time in making the necessary inquiries.
§ Lieut.-Colonel CROFTIs it not a fact that a successor was appointed, and that Police Regulation No. 31 stated that General Sir Joseph Byrne was in charge of the Department under its new name? Was that not a document signed by General Horwood?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNotice ought to be given to me of that question. My knowledge of the facts only leads me to the conclusion that General Byrne was invited, that the position was offered to him, but had not been accepted, and I also understand that it had not received the approval of the Treasury.
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREIn view of the communistic rejoicings over the departure of Sir Basil Thomson, will the right hon. Gentleman not consider the desirability of reinstating Sir Basil Thomson in a post from which he was dismissed after a long period of distinguished service?
§ Viscount CURZONWho in the meantime is in charge of the secret funds?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI think that notice ought to be given of that question. I do not know anything about the organisation of the Department.
§ Mr. R. McNEILLHas the right hon. Gentleman's attention been called to a statement by Sir Basil Thomson in the Press to-day, which, if it be true, shows that the information of the Home Secretary the other day was entirely inaccurate?
§ Lieut.-Colonel ARCHER-SHEEIf General Byrne had not been appointed, why was he allowed to have access to the secret funds?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI really think that if I am to be examined about details 33 of that kind, notice ought to be given to me. I really cannot give an answer as to details of administration in all Departments of the State.
§ Colonel ASHLEYMay I ask the question of the right hon. Gentleman the Home Secretary?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat would not arise from the question on the Paper.
§ Colonel ASHLEYIf the Prime Minister states that it is not within his knowledge, but it is within the knowledge of one of his subordinates, surely it is in order to ask the Minister who is sitting there on the Front Bench?
§ Mr. SPEAKERIt really does not arise from the question on the Paper.
§ Mr. W. THORNEWhy all the row about the dismissal of this one man?