HC Deb 06 March 1947 vol 434 cc643-5
45. Mr. Peter Freeman

asked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to amend the conditions whereby Post Office workers, police and other public servants are debarred or prejudiced by standing as candidates or taking part in local or national elections, publicly supporting or opposing any political candidate, or speaking or writing on political questions.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)

The rules regarding political activities by civil servants, including Post Office workers, are now under consideration, but I cannot say whether any change will be made. The Police are in a special position. There are obvious objections to their taking an active part in politics and it is not intended to change the present rules which apply to them.

Mr. Freeman

In view of their special responsibility and experience, should not public servants of this description he encouraged to take every active part possible in politics, providing it is not prejudicial to public welfare?

The Prime Minister

I did not hear the supplementary question.

Mr. Freeman

Does not my right hon. Friend agree that generally they should be encouraged, rather than otherwise, to take an active part in political activity?

The Prime Minister

It depends on the work on which they are engaged in the public service. It is Obviously undesirable that certain public servants should engage in this.

Captain Crookshank

Will the right hon. Gentleman, while he is considering this, make quite certain that the pledge which he gave, with regard to the employees of the National Coal Board is carried out?

The Prime Minister

I do not think the right hon. and gallant Gentleman could have been present the other day when I gave that assurance.

Mr. Speaker

Sir Thomas Moore.

Captain Crookshank

I was present—

An Hon. Member

Do not gate crash

Mr. Speaker

Does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman wish to say something?

Captain Crookshank

I was going to ask why, subsequent to that, it was not being carried out.

The Prime Minister

I have no information to that effect. If the right hon. and gallant Gentleman has a case and he will send it to me, I will look into it, but my information is to the contrary.

Sir T. Moore

Is it the proposal that a policeman should stand as a candidate and thereafter keep order at his own meeting?

The Prime Minister

That is not my proposal.