53. Mr. Vaneasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many persons employed, whole or part time, by the P.I.D. (German Section) of his Department are, or were formerly, of German nationality; and of which political parties they were members before 1939.
§ Mr. J. HyndThe figures are—31 whole time and 97 part time. No record is kept of any former political affiliations, but I am satisfied that the steps taken 1662 are such as to ensure the reliability of these employees for the work
Mr. VaneDoes the Minister wish to tell the House that the screening of these people is so open that no questions are asked about previous political opinions?
§ Mr. HyndNo, I said that no record is kept. Naturally, we take steps, where we think them desirable, to ascertain whether or not they belonged to certain political parties in the past, but I can assure the House that the screening is very complete. While no record is kept of previous political affiliations, we know what affiliations they had at the time. They are accepted.