HC Deb 30 January 1941 vol 368 cc652-3
28. Mr. Glenvil Hall

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will take steps to ensure that active Communists are not allowed to occupy pivotal positions in establishments engaged in the manufacture or distribution of munitions?

The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Herbert Horrison)

It would not be in the public interest for me to make any statement on the subject of the measures taken to protect establishments engaged on important war work against dangerous activities, regardless of the political complexion of the individuals concerned.

Mr. Thorne

Surely, whether a man is a Communist or any other "ist," if he carries on his work in a proper way, without interference from outside, he has a right to have a job?

Mr. Morrison

I have indicated that I am primarily concerned with the security aspect, not the individual aspect.

Mr. Glenvil Hall

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the security aspect is the only aspect I had in mind?