HC Deb 02 December 1926 vol 200 cc1350-1
11. Mr. RHYS DAVIES

asked the Home Secretary if he will state the reason why the Chief Medical Officer of the Factories Department of the Home Office has resigned his post?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

The Senior Medical Inspector of Factories, having reached the pensionable age, applied to be allowed to retire, giving as hits reason that he did not wish to be concerned in the administration of the Lead Paint (Protection Against Poisoning) Bill; and I acceded to his application.

Mr. DAVIES

Is it not a fact that the pensionable age has nothing at all to do with the resignation, and that it concerns mostly the point that he was at Geneva when this Convention was adopted, and he feels now that, having carefully negotiated the Convention, his honour is in question?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

I do not know about his honour. He had reached a pensionable age. He did retire because he did not agree with the views which I have taken and the Government have taken with regard to this matter.

Mr. DAVIES

Is it not true to say that this gentleman could have served the Home Office for one or two more years within the pensions' scheme, and that he has resigned as a protest against the action of the Government in regard to white lead painting?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

Certainly. I am expressing no opinion on the resignation. He could have served another couple of years possibly. He is quite entitled, if he desires, to resign his position, which he has done.

Mr. MACQUISTEN

Is it the case that when a civil servant reaches a pensionable age there is the strongest possible pressure always brought to bear upon him by his subordinates, who want to get promotion?

Mr. CECIL WILSON

When did he reach the pensionable age?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

I would like notice of that question. I would rather not give off-hand an answer that might be misleading.