HC Deb 29 October 1947 vol 443 c865
45. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the Minister of Labour has during the last year acted as general secretary of the National Society of Operative Printers and Assistants; and why he has permitted a member of His Majesty's Government to retain that post in view of the obligation upon Ministers to resign directorships.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)

As regards the first part of the Question, the hon. Member is misinformed. The second part does not, therefore, arise.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Is the Prime Minister aware of the fact that that misinformation is shared by the general secretary of the Union concerned, and that the executive committee, in July of this year, reported that the Minister of Labour had so acted, and thanked him for his assistance?

The Prime Minister

The information I have is that the right hon. Gentleman was given leave of absence by the Society of Operative Printers when he was appointed a Minister, and the work of the Society has been undertaken since by Mr. Plunkett.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Will the right hon. Gentleman look at a copy of the journal for July of this year, if I send it to him?

The Prime Minister

Certainly.