§ 5. Mr. Jaggerasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that no Member of this House volunteering for unpaid 621 National Service has yet been accepted for service in the Foreign Office; and whether he can promise that this state of affairs shall not continue?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir. I am aware that certain Members of this House have offered their services without payment to the Foreign Office, and I can assure them that their offers have been very highly appreciated. This matter has, however, been carefully considered and the conclusion reached that it would be undesirable for Members of this House to be employed in a Government Department, even without salary, in a temporary civilian capacity. A Member of this House so employed would be at the same time a member of the Legislature and a servant of the Executive and it was felt that such a dual position might give rise to a conflict of responsibilty which might be embarrassing to all concerned.
§ Mr. JaggerAm I to understand that in no Government Department has any Member of Parliament been accepted for voluntary service?
§ The Prime MinisterNot as far as I know.
§ Miss WilkinsonThat being the case, is not this just another way of preventing us from getting any information, or even preventing the Foreign Office from getting any information?
§ The Prime MinisterIt applies to the Foreign Office.