HC Deb 24 October 1949 vol 468 c999
44. Colonel Dower

asked the Minister of Works if he is aware that, in accordance with details sent to him, Members of Parliament and others have been circularised by his Department by means of Ministry of Works official paid envelopes, urging them to bring pressure to bear upon the Government to reverse their policy with regard to certain matters of political and public importance; and if he sanctioned the use of such official communications and official envelopes for this purpose.

Mr. Key

I have not sanctioned the use of official communications and envelopes for the purpose mentioned by the hon. Member. The officer concerned was the Staff Side secretary of the Regional Whitley Committee, and was under the mistaken impression that he could use official stationery for communications of this kind.

Colonel Dower

Will the right hon. Gentleman take care that stationery and paid official envelopes are not so easily obtainable, so that the abuse cannot occur again?

Mr. Key

Yes, most certainly; and in the new amending regulations immediate attention will be drawn to it.

Squadron-Leader Fleming

Has the official in question been promoted?

Mr. Key

No, Sir. He is quite a temporary officer, and is due, as a matter of fact, to leave at the end of this week.