§ 5. Lieut.-Colonel Liptonasked the Minister of Supply whether the firm of Pratt's, drapers and furnishers, of Streatham, is on the list of Government contractors.
§ Mr. G. R. StraussNo, Sir; not on the Ministry of Supply list.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonCan my right hon. Friend say whether considerations of national security make it essential for this firm and other drapery shops of the John Lewis Partnership to conduct a political purge of their employees? Will he make it clear that the Government do not favour this kind of unnecessary discrimination where it serves no public interests?
§ Mr. StraussI should not have thought that any security aspect was involved. As my hon. and gallant Friend is aware, the Government take steps in this direction only where the question of high security is involved, and in no other circumstances.
§ Mr. Sidney SilvermanDoes my right hon. Friend agree that even in those cases in which the Government take action it is not by way of discrimination against employment, but that they do their best to provide those affected with other employment?
§ Mr. StraussYes, Sir. That is certainly the case.