§ 41 Mr. Ridleyasked the Minister of Labour whether any prohibition exists against officers of his Department or other members of his staff becoming members of local authorities, either as aldermen or councillors; and, if so, what is the nature of the prohibition?
§ Mr. ButlerThe Staff Rules of the Department prescribe that officers of the Ministry are not allowed to become candidates for county councils or borough councils; and that, further, they are not allowed to become candidates for other councils or accept municipal office without the express consent of the Department.
§ Mr. RidleyMay I ask whether that means that the policy of his Department is more rigid than that of other Departments and that permission is only given in individual cases?
§ Mr. ButlerAs I have already said in my answer, the policy of the Department permits members of the staff in certain circumstances to become members of certain local bodies.