56. Mr. MALONEasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether any circular has been issued to civil servants asking for details of paid work and non-paid work done between 6 p.m. and 10 a.m.; if so, what are the objects of this form; what is intended to be included in the term non-paid work; and whether there are any penalties for incomplete returns?
§ Captain MARGESSON (Lord of the Treasury)I have been asked to reply. No such circular has been issued by the Treasury. Under the terms of the Treasury Circular of the 11th August, 1927, which deals with the conditions under which it is allowable for civil servants to engage in private occupations, it is for Departments to provide by Departmental Regulations for any special circumstances connected with their particular activities. The general principle is that a civil servant should not engage in any activity which would impair his usefulness or be inconsistent with his position as a public servant, or might 334 conflict with the interests of his Department. If the hon. Member has any particular Departmental Regulation in mind, perhaps he would be good enough to let me know.