HC Deb 16 December 1947 vol 445 c1497
47. Mr. Mikardo

asked the Prime Minister whether employees of nationally owned and nationally subsidised public corporations are debarred from offering themselves as candidates at local government elections.

Mr. H. Morrison

I have been asked to reply. No, Sir.

Mr. Mikardo

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the National Service Hostels Corporation takes unto itself the right unilaterally to debar its employes, when they think fit, from standing as candidates in municipal elections? If I give my right hon. Friend some evidence, will he look into that?

Mr. Morrison

Yes, Sir, but in giving the answer I must confess I was thinking of commercial corporations rather than of a body of that kind. If my hon. Friend gives me particulars, I will look into it.

Mr. Marlowe

Is it in order for the employees of nationalised corporations to be employed for propaganda purposes at by-elections?

Mr. Morrison

I think the hon. Gentleman had better put that question down, with evidence, for consideration.