§ 65. Mr. Evelyn Walkdenasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will investigate the powers of dismissal exercised by certain directors and high officials of the United Kingdom Commercial Corporation, and with particular reference to Lord Carlisle, chief representative of the corporation in Turkey, who was dismissed after a successful mission, also Mr. Lynch, an officer of the Corporation in Spain, drawing a salary and allowances of £1,500 per annum, who was recalled from Madrid and dismissed because he complained that for 12 weeks he had nothing to do; and whether he will announce his findings?
§ Sir J. AndersonNo, Sir, decisions of this nature are within the competence of the Board of the Corporation.
§ Mr. WalkdenIs not a public inquiry into the affairs and administration of this Corporation absolutely essential and long overdue? Will the Minister make arrangements for such an inquiry?
§ Sir J. AndersonThat goes far beyond the limits of the Question, but I certainly do not see anything in the information that has come into my possession which establishes a prima facie case for such an examination.
§ Sir Irving AlberyDoes my right hon. Friend's answer accept the implication in the last part of the Question, namely, that an official was dismissed because he complained that for 12 weeks he had nothing to do?
§ Sir J. AndersonI do not accept that implication at all.