HC Deb 21 February 1929 vol 225 cc1298-9
45. Mr. WELLOCK

asked the Prime Minister if he will consider laying down rules whereby an ex-Minister of the Crown shall be prohibited for a period of years from becoming a director of a company which enjoys a monopoly derived from Acts passed by Governments in which he held office?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Baldwin)

No, Sir. I have no reason to believe that the absence of any such rule as that suggested in the hon. Member's question has caused or is likely to cause any public disadvantage; and, to my mind, it is neither fair nor expedient to endeavour to impose restrictions on personal liberty which are not clearly necessary in the public interest.

Mr. WELLOCK

Is it not the case that this practice is increasing, and that the people of the country are becoming increasingly alarmed in view of the fact that the Government are increasing the habit of handing over to private enterprise important public properties?

Mr. CRAWFURD

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think it was improper when some years ago a Minister of the Crown, who had been engaged in conducting negotiations with a large combine, within a few weeks of the end of those negotiations became chairman of that company?

The PRIME MINISTER

That is an entirely different case from the one in the question asked by the hon. Member, and I do not feel called upon to pronounce upon it.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Is there not a case almost identical with the one referred to by the Prime Minister?

The PRIME MINISTER

I cannot remember one.