§ 3. Sir Wavell Wakefieldasked the President of the Board of Trade why he inquires into the personal political beliefs of members of his Department who desire to stand as candidates at local authority elections; and if he will cease this inquisition into the private affairs of individuals on his staff.
§ The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Harold Wilson)Whilst inquiries whether prospective candidates are party or non-party have been made, prospective candidates have not been asked to disclose to which party they belong before granting or refusing permission to stand, nor are such inquiries allowed to be made. With consideration of the Masterman Report, I did inquire about the party affiliations of those to whom permission had been granted and whose elections were at that time in fact over. In one case the officer concerned refused the information, but there was no question of compelling this officer to disclose this information.