§ 47. Mr. COCKSasked the Prime Minister whether there is any rule forbidding Ministers of the Crown holding 1149 shares in armament firms; and, if not, whether he will consider issuing such a rule?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe answer to both parts of the question is in the negative: the rule against holding any directorships is quite a different matter. It is impossible to draw the line between armament and non-armament firms or between firms incidentally concerned in producing some element which might be used for war, and others. The effective safeguard lies in the traditional standards of public life in this country.
§ Mr. COCKSWould not the Prime Minister consider the inadvisability of Ministers holding shares in firms of contractors for the Government, such as Vickers?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat question ought to be put down separately. As a matter of fact, I think they do not.