HC Deb 19 January 1944 vol 396 c173
56. Mr. Palmer

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that a food executive officer, who was recently sentenced to a term of imprisonment for corruption, had been convicted of theft only a short time previous to his appointment by his Department; and what procedure the Ministry has laid down for checking the antecedents of candidates for appointments to their staff.

Colonel Llewellin

In regard to the first part of the Question the answer is "Yes, Sir." The man in question was engaged in January, 1940. Under the arrangements now in force, applicants for employment are required to furnish full particulars of their careers and to give the names of three referees, of whom inquiries are made before any appointment is confirmed.

Mr. Palmer

Was that system in force when this appointment was made?

Colonel Llewellin

This man was appointed in January, 1940, when there was quite a big rush of applicants for these posts and a lot of vacancies had to be filled. At that time perhaps this Regulation was not applied.

Mr. Austin Hopkinson

Was the appointment in accord with the practice of other Ministries?