§ 71. Mr. HURDasked 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 MINISTERAs 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. HURDIs it not a fact that transactions are continually passing between the Postmaster-General and the Marconi Company?
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs it in order for an hon. Member to read supplementary questions?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have asked the Post Office, and they reply that the facts are as stated in Mr. Kellaway's letter.
§ Mr. MIDDLETONIs 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 MINISTERI think that is denied in the letter to which I have referred.