§ 46. Sir Robert Youngasked the Prime Minister what number of Government employed persons have been examined as to their loyalty and reliability and, as a result, have been respectively transferred to other employment or dismissed; whether he is aware of the growing irritation and adverse criticism among fellow-employees of those suspected at the long time these investigations take; and whether he will issue a direction to ensure a decision within four weeks from the date of suspension from work.
§ The Prime MinisterFifty persons have received notice that they are thought to come within the scope of the Government's policy in regard to the employment of Communists and Fascists in certain parts of the Civil Service. Of these none have been dismissed, three have resigned and ten have been transferred. Of the rest, 16 have been reinstated, 12 are awaiting transfer, while nine have not yet replied. It is clearly in the interests of the individual that hasty decisions should not be taken, but I will see whether it is practicable to speed up the machinery in any way.
§ Sir R. YoungIs my right hon. Friend aware that this growing irritation may in some places lead to unofficial stoppages, and therefore would it not be advisable at a very early date to determine that three months should not elapse in relation to these cases?
§ The Prime MinisterIt is not really the length of time taken in the determining of these cases; the difficulty occurs in finding a place to which a person can be transferred. Obviously that must take longer.
§ Mr. GallacherIt is just a political stunt.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonCan the Prime Minister say when this purge will be completed?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir.
§ Mr. Emrys HughesIs the Prime Minister aware that some of us have received letters complaining that a Communist holds a key position in Buckingham Palace, and are any of the 50 from the Palace?
§ The Prime MinisterI have not received that information myself.