§ 47. Mr. McGovernasked the Prime Minister whether it is consistent with Government policy for any member of the Cabinet to remain a partner of a legal firm and still remain a member of the Government?
§ The Prime MinisterI would refer the hon. Member to the statement which I made on this subject on 10th June, 1937, in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Wolverhampton, East (Mr. Mander).
§ Mr. McGovernIn that statement, is it not the case that the Prime Minister stated that he thought that members of the Government who are solicitors should cease to carry on daily routine work of the firm or take any active part in ordinary business? Is he aware that members of the Government, according to a case in the courts last week, have been taking an active part in granting interviews in cases in 1935 and 1936; and does not he think that it is an unfair advantage over their competitors, as people tend to go to a member of the Government with legal business because of his position?
§ The Prime MinisterI do not think that the hon. Gentleman is quite correct in his account of what was said in the answer referred to. After a reference to Sir Henry Campbell Bannerman's rule I said that solicitors should cease to carry on their daily routine work or take an active part in ordinary business. I went on to say that he should not be precluded from continuing to advise in matters of educational trusts, guardianships and similar cases, and I went on further to say that a certain amount of discretion should be allowed. It is impossible to cover every conceivable case, but I do not think, so far as I am aware, that this rule has been transgressed.
§ Mr. McGovernIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this case did not 185 come within that scope at all, and does he think that the Minister of Transport, holding a responsible position, ought to be allowed to continue to dabble in ordinary business while he is a member of the Government and is being paid a substantial salary?
§ The Prime MinisterI do not think that that is the case.
§ Mr. JohnstonDoes not the Prime Minister think that in the public interest it would be advisable to extend Lord Baldwin's formula prohibiting Ministers from undertaking certain private business during their term of office, and to extend that formula to include Ministers who are active participants, as private partners, in a business?
§ The Prime MinisterThe rule was extended to cover the case of solicitors in private practice, to which, I suppose, the hon. Gentleman refers, and I am not aware that it is suggested to extend that.
§ Mr. McGovernMay I put this point to the right hon. Gentleman—
§ Mr. Speakerrose—
§ Mr. McGovernI will raise the matter a gain.