§ 46. Mr. Manderasked the Prime Minister whether he is now able to make a statement with reference to the practice to be followed by members of his Government, both inside and outside the Cabinet, who are solicitors, in the matter of private practice?
§ The Prime MinisterI have carefully considered the views expressed on this subject in the course of the Debate in the House on 3rd June last, and I concur in the observations made by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer. The rule laid down by Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman in 1906 has since been followed by successive Prime Ministers, and will be followed by myself. This rule, however, applies only to directorships, and the hon. Member's question refers to solicitors in private practice, whose position formed the subject of the discussion in the House already referred to. I agree with the Chancellor of the Exchequer that it would be unreasonable to require that a solicitor, on becoming a member of the Government, should dissolve his partnership or should be obliged to allow his annual practising certificate to lapse. On the other hand, he should, 1954 in accordance with the principle underlying Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman's rule, cease to carry on the daily routine work of the firm or to take any active part in its ordinary business, although he should not be precluded from continuing to advise in matters of family trusts, guardianships, and similar cases. A certain amount of discretion must be allowed, since it is impossible to cover every conceivable case in any rule, but I am satisfied that under the conditions I have laid down every reasonable requirement of propriety will be fulfilled.
§ Mr. ManderDoes that apply to Ministers both inside and outside the Cabinet?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir.