HC Deb 28 April 1927 vol 205 cc1008-9
41. Captain GARRO-JONES

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he will publish a statement showing the Regulations as to the conditions of service in His Majesty's civil establishments?

Mr. McNEILL

Part. II of the Order in Council of 10th January, 1910, prescribes rules applicable to all permanent officers in His Majesty's civil establishments. It would not be feasible to publish a statement showing the detailed Regulations governing the special conditions of service applicable to every grade in the service and to each Department or establishment.

Captain GARRO-JONES

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these Regulations will come under discussion when we reach Clause 5 of the Trade Unions Bill, and in view of this fact would it not be an advantage for hon. Members to have those Regulations before them?

Mr. McNEILL

It might be an advantage, but for the reasons I have given it would not be practicable.

Captain GARRO-JONES

If we are to be allowed to discuss these Regulations, what is the objection to having them published?

Mr. McNEILL

Because the volume both of labour and time necessary to do this would be out of all proportion to the value.

Captain GARRO-JONES

Are we going to discuss these Regulations without knowing what they are? Are we going to pass this Bill without knowing what we are doing?