HC Deb 04 December 1922 vol 159 c1202
71. Mr. HURD

asked the Prime Minister whether, up to the time of his resignation as Postmaster-General six weeks ago, Mr. Kellaway, on behalf of the Government, was in negotiation with the Marconi Company which he has since joined; and whether, in the public interest, it will be made a condition of service under the Crown that no Minister or civil servant should, within a period of five years after resignation, enter the service of any private enterprise with which he had been in negotiation on behalf of the Government?

The PRIME MINISTER

As regards the first part of the question, the facts are, I believe, as stated in Mr. Kellaway's letter which appeared in the Press to-day. I am not prepared to adopt the suggestion contained in the last part of the question.

Mr. HURD

Is it not a fact that transactions are continually passing between the Postmaster-General and the Marconi Company?

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Is it in order for an hon. Member to read supplementary questions?

Mr. HURD

I am not reading them.

The PRIME MINISTER

I have asked the Post Office, and they reply that the facts are as stated in Mr. Kellaway's letter.

Mr. MIDDLETON

Is it not a fact that the late Postmaster-General concluded more than one agreement with the Marconi Company, which resulted in profits to the company and consequent loss to the State?

The PRIME MINISTER

I think that is denied in the letter to which I have referred.