HC Deb 22 June 1948 vol 452 cc1125-6
45. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Prime Minister what is the nature of the employment of Sir Percy Sillitoe; what is his salary; and what is the purpose of his visit to Washington.

46. Mr. Platts-Mills

asked the Prime Minister what is the purpose of the visit to the U.S.A. of Sir Percy Sillitoe and of his discussions with Mr. J. Edgar Hoover, Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)

As announced at the time of his appointment in January, 1946, Sir Percy Sillitoe holds the post of a Director in the War Office. He is employed on special duties. His salary is £3,000 per annum. He has been on a visit to the United States on official business.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Can the Prime Minister tell us why Sir Percy Sillitoe has been interviewing Mr. Marshall and if this is part of Marshall Aid? Is he also aware that in Glasgow Sir Percy was an authority on burglary, and in view of the fact that the Home Secretary has been burgled seven times is it not time that Sir Percy was brought to the home front?

Mr. Platts-Mills

While we all know that Sir Percy is closely associated with M.I.5 and the whole House will be interested to learn of this new instalment of the American way of life, may I ask is this part of the standardisation of military equipment with U.S.A., and is the British Secret Service now to be under the orders of the notorious F.B.I.?

Mr. William Shepherd

Can the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that the visit to America has nothing to do with the activities of the hon. Member for Finsbury (Mr. Platts-Mills)?

The Prime Minister

That is quite true.

Mrs. Mann

Can my right hon. Friend give an assurance that Sir Percy Sillitoe's qualifications are really equal to the job, and not based on puff paragraphs in the newspapers to the effect that he quelled gangsterism in Glasgow, because those statements are utterly untrue?

Mr. Gallacher

In view of the statement the Prime Minister has made about Sir Percy Sillitoe, will he now advise us of how many associates Sir Percy has in this secret police force? Is he also aware that this man was puffed up as a lion tamer in South Africa?