§ 6. Sir Robert Youngasked the Secretary for Petroleum whether he has investigated the statements made by the leading counsel against the chief witness for the prosecution in the petrol case at Newton- le-Willows police court; to what extent have they been found true; what investigations were made at the time of the engagement of this officer by the Petroleum Board; and is he taking any further steps to avoid the employment of undesirable persons in his Department?
§ The Secretary for Petroleum (Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd)The employment of the officer in question has now terminated. He was recruited through the usual channels of the Ministry of Labour and National Service for temporary Government employment, and the references obtained appeared to be satisfactory. Every possible precaution is taken to secure fit and proper persons for appointments in the Department.
§ Sir R. YoungWill the hon. Gentleman consult the Minister of Labour to try and avoid this kind of thing?