§ 54. Mr. F. Macleanasked the Minister of Food what questions, of a political nature, are put to candidates for promotion appearing before the promotions boards in his Department.
§ Mr. StracheyNone, Sir.
§ Mr. MacleanIs the Minister aware that at a recent board in Manchester the following question was put to the candidate, "What view do you take of Mr. Strachey?" Would not he agree that this question is of a highly political nature, and contentious, and will he take steps to ensure that in future candidates are not subjected to ideological catechisms?
§ Mr. StracheyI should have thought that that was a personal rather than a political question, but if the hon. Member will give particulars I will certainly look into it.
§ Mr. NicholsonCan the right hon. Gentleman say what answer would have been returned to that question by the Minister of Food?
§ Lieut-Commander BraithwaiteAre these candidates called upon to express an opinion on the merits or demerits of bulk purchase?
§ Mr. StracheyNo, Sir. I should deprecate any political questions being put to these candidates, and if any instances where that has been done are brought to my attention I will certainly examine them.