HC Deb 31 March 1947 vol 435 cc1656-7
49. Mr. E. P. Smith

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the dismissal and transfer of scientific civil servants as a result of inquiries by M.I.5; and if he will issue a statement upon the whole incident so that the public shall not form any exaggerated ideas as to the unreliability of members of the scientific Civil Service generally.

The Prime Minister

I have seen reports in the Press on the subject to which the hon. Member refers. The responsibility for dismissal of civil servants is a matter for the Minister of the Department in which the civil servant is employed. My information is that the number of cases in which any question has arisen on security grounds as to the suitability of civil servants for employment is extremely small, and I am glad of the opportunity of paying a tribute to the integrity of the staff employed in the scientific and other branches of the Civil Service.

Mr. Smith

Does not the Prime Minister recognise that this is an altogether unprecedented action in this country in peacetime and ought not the public to be told the whole story?

The Prime Minister

No, Sir. I think the stories have been vastly exaggerated. It is not unprecedented. It has been the practice, where occasion rendered it desirable for the Department to make inquiries and it is the duty of any Government, of whatever colour, to see that those who serve the State are loyal to the State.

Mr. Michael Foot

Will the Prime Minister say which Minister in the Government is responsible to this House for the activities of this body, and does he not think that past procedure should be changed and explanations given to the public for the activities of this body in order to allay any misconception that it is acting as a secret police?

The Prime Minister

I do not think so. There is no action here in the nature of a secret police.

Mr. Sydney Silverman

Whether or not information can be given to the public, would my right hon. Friend undertake that nobody shall be dismissed from his office on a secret report on security grounds without being given the opportunity of knowing what is his alleged offence and of replying, if he can?

The Prime Minister

The House will realise that this is a very difficult matter involving the security of the State. Every effort is being made to see that everyone is treated with the utmost fairness, and I hope that the House will support me in declining on grounds of public interest to deal with this or any similar matter in very general terms.