§ 18. Mr. W. J. Brownasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that, following on the publication in "The Civil Service Review" of Trinidad, of criticisms of the administrative methods employed by certain high officials, the Governor of Trinidad requested the members of the editorial board of that paper either to make a public apology or to resign from their posts in the Trinidad Civil Service; and whether, in view of the fact that the criticisms referred to were fair comments on matters of public importance, he will take steps to ensure that there is no further intimidation of public servants in this way.
§ Mr. Emrys-EvansThis matter was investigated by a Committee of Inquiry composed of a Judge as Chairman and two unofficial members of the Executive Council. The Committee found that the article contained allegations and derogatory statements couched in grossly improper language against two higher officials of the Colony, and that the officers appearing before the Committee were responsible for the publication of the article and were consequently guilty of misconduct. The officers responsible ultimately expressed regret for the language used, and it was decided that they should be reprimanded. In these circumstances my right hon. and gallant 1405 Friend cannot accept the suggestion that the article was confined to fair comment on matters of public importance.
§ Mr. BrownDoes the hon. Gentleman realise that no administration ever regards criticism as fair comment; and does he also realise that criticism of the Administration, by the Civil Service, is one of the very best ways of keeping the Administration up to scratch?
§ Mr. Emrys-EvansNot criticism of this kind.