§ 47. Mr. Parkerasked the Prime Minister what is the exact rule governing the holding of directorships by Members of the Government?
§ The Prime MinisterThe rule was laid down by Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman in March, 1906, in the following words:
The condition which was laid down on the formation of the Government was that all directorships held by Ministers must be resigned except in the case of honorary directorships, directorships in connection with philanthropic undertakings, and directorships in private companies.
§ Mr. ParkerDoes the right hon. Gentleman not think it important that not only 1187 should there not be corruption in public life, but there should not appear to be opportunities for corruption creeping in somewhere or other; and, that being so, does he not think there should be some revision of the rule with regard to private companies, to suit modern conditions?
§ The Prime MinisterI am not accepting any suggestion that corruption is either existent or suspected, but I have already said that I am prepared to look into the question of private directorships, and I am awaiting a note on the subject from an hon. and learned Member.
§ Mr. ShinwellDoes the Prime Minister not regard an honorary director as a person who, although not in a position to exercise control, receives some profit or remuneration?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, that is not my conception of what an honorary directorship means.
§ 48. Mr. Parkerasked the Prime Minister the number of directorships in public and private companies, respectively, held by members of the Cabinet and by other members of the Government, respectively, giving particulars of such directorships?
§ The Prime MinisterI have no information as to directorships of private companies held by members of the Government. The rule regarding the holding of directorships by Ministers is well known, and no permission is necessary in respect of private companies, which are exempted from this rule, although, if a Minister should be in any doubt he would presumably consult me.
§ Mr. A. V. AlexanderIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that since the laying down of the Campbell-Bannerman rule there has been a very large extension of private companies, which are, in fact, holding companies for public companies, and that the directors of such holding companies have a very direct interest in the working of the public companies?
§ The Prime MinisterI repeat, for the fourth time, that I am prepared to investigate the matter, and am awaiting a note from an hon. and learned Member.
§ Mr. BellengerIn reference to the Prime Minister's last remark, we are to—
§ Mr. Speakerrose—
§ Mr. BellengerDo you not propose to listen, Mr. Speaker, to the supplementary question I was going to put?
§ Mr. SpeakerThe rule as to supplementary questions is being very much abused.