§ 81. Sir W. Smithersasked the Minister of National Insurance if her attention has been called to the fact that Mr. E. R. Guest, the West London magistrate, complained of the way in which her Department conducted its cases, and dismissed them; what steps she is taking to prevent further waste of public funds on such prosecutions; and what disciplinary action she proposes to take against the officials concerned.
§ Dr. SummerskillI am making inquiries about this case and will write to the hon. Member when I have completed them.
§ Sir W. SmithersIs it not a fact that these cases are evidence of the inevitable results of State trading? Is the right hon. Lady aware that if officials in private industry behaved like this they would get the sack? Will she take disciplinary action?
§ Dr. SummerskillThe hon. Gentleman has forgotten that I have changed my Department. I do not deal in State trading.