HC Deb 28 January 1941 vol 368 cc423-4
67. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Minister of Health, under what authority public authorities inquire of applicants for temporary or permanent positions in their service, and who are women or above or below the age for military service, what their personal views may be on religion, politics, or war, in view of the fact that such irrelevant personal questions are, in fact, being asked?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Miss Horsbrugh)

It is withing the competence of a local authority to decide what inquiries should be made before making appointments to its staff, and my right hon. Friend has no authority to intervene.

Mr. Sorensen

Does the hon. Lady agree that it is entirely undesirable for public bodies to ask elderly people what their personal views may be, seeing that they have no relevance?

Miss Horsbrugh

I stated that my right hon. Friend has no power over the employing authority to determine what questions shall be asked when these appointments are made. They must be left to do so as they think best.

Mr. Sorensen

Will the hon. Lady see that some recommendation is made to these local authorities on the subject?