Mr. SpeakerI have been asked to make a correction to my statement, dated 5th December—HANSARD, columns 1539–42—regarding Commander Powell. I wish to make it clear that the post held by this gentleman is that of Administrative Secretary of the British Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union. The Secretary-General of that Union is of 2519 course, M. Leopold Boissier, head of the Bureau at Geneva. I did not on 5th December make or intend any imputation against the British Group of the Union, or cast any reflection on the valuable work they perform. Furthermore, I believe the members of the British Group would wish me to say that Commander Powell has served the Group with efficiency and zeal since he was appointed Administrative Secretary.
The point of my statement on 5th December was that undesirable or unfair results might arise from this particular post being held by anyone doing professional work for Members of the House and at the same time work for outside organisations or bodies who may be
§ concerned with opposing or promoting various items of Parliamentary business, and not that any such undesirable or unfair results have in fact ensued. I am informed that Commander Powell has asked permission to resign his position of Administrative Secretary to the British Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union.