HC Deb 01 February 1944 vol 396 c1102
5. Mr. W. J. Brown

asked the Secretary of State for War on what basis it is decided that messengers employed at headquarters of the War Department may, in some circumstances, be established while messengers in the out-stations of the War Department are held to be ineligible for establishment.

Sir J. Grigg

This, as my hon. Friend is aware, is a question which affects the Government Service generally. The normal rule is to establish only those messengers to whom special responsibilities are allotted.

Mr. Brown

Why is it that messengers who have, as the Government know very well, been employed for the whole of their lives, are denied establishment and pensions except a small percentage?

Sir J. Grigg

I think that is a question which had better be addressed to the Minister responsible for the Civil Service as a whole.

Mr. Brown

Is not the right hon. Gentleman responsible for the War Ministry; and cannot he use his great powers with the Treasury to see that his Department, at least, is above reproach?