§ 58. Mr. Sorensenasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is satisfied with the method of appointing temporary employés in Government offices in respect of their credentials; what inquiries are made before their employment; whether they are pledged to secrecy; and whether special precautions are taken to secure a guarantee of secrecy from temporary shorthand typists who may have to deal with correspondence of a confidential or important nature?
§ Captain CrookshankYes, Sir. It is the duty of the employing Department to satisfy itself, by taking up personal and employer's references and by any necessary further inquiries, that a candidate for temporary appointment is in all respects suitable for employment in the public service. Departments have recently been reminded of their responsibilities in this matter. As regards secrecy, it is the normal practice to draw the attention of all new entrants to the provisions of the Official Secrets Act. I see no sufficient reason for treating temporary shorthand typists differently from other grades in this connection.
§ Mr. SorensenIs the Financial Secretary aware that a certain amount of anxiety has been expressed in certain quarters on this matter; and will he take particular notice of the suggestions in the Question?
§ Captain CrookshankAs I have said, this is a responsibility which rests upon 417 the Departments. At several stages of the war this matter has been the subject of reminders to the Departments of their responsibilities and it was my intention to send a further reminder in the very near future.
§ Mr. ThorneCan the right hon. and gallant Gentleman say whether there have been any cases of these pledges having been broken in any of the Departments?
§ Captain CrookshankI should have notice of that question.