HC Deb 28 January 1930 vol 234 cc839-40 The following question stood upon the Paper in the name of MR. NAYLOR: 59. "To ask the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the applicants for employment at His Majesty's Stationery Office Works, Wealdstone, have been requested to give replies, on an official form, to a series of 50 questions with regard to their parentage, service in the forces, physical activity, height and weight, health, vaccination record, and character, concluding with a declaration that the assurances given are true; whether he is aware that the men applying for work resent the signing of such a form as a condition of engagement; and whether he will take steps to simplify the procedure in this respect, in consultation with the trade unions concerned?
Mr. NAYLOR

On a point of Order. I find that substantial alteration has been made in this question since I handed it in at the Table, and I wish to ask, Mr. Speaker, whether hon. Members are not entitled to claim the right to be consulted before such alterations are made?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member, as far as I understand the point, has had his question summarised slightly.

Mr. NAYLOR

I am quite prepared to admit that my question has been altered, but something has been taken out of it that I wanted to appear, and I therefore ask you whether, whatever the alteration may be, a Member is not entitled to be consulted before his question is altered?

Mr. SPEAKER

Oh, yes, I think an hon. Member is entitled to be consulted before a question is altered. If there is any substantial alteration and the hon. Member objects, he can put his question down for another day.

Mr. NAYLOR

I will ask it now.

Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCE

The form referred to contains questions which Departments are required to ask of applicants for unestablished employment. The particulars demanded are the same in all Departments in which a medical examination is not required. In regard to the last part of the question, facilities are available through the machinery of the Industrial Whitley Council for the consideration of any suggestions which may be made on the subject.