HC Deb 24 April 1952 vol 499 cc719-22
30. Mr. G. Thomas

asked the President of the Board of Trade what action he has taken in connection with the letter involving a disciplinary case which he sent by hand to the hon. Member for Cardiff, West, on 8th April, 1952.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

The officer concerned has been severely reprimanded.

Mr. Thomas

Can the Minister guarantee that in future when hon. Members table Questions concerning his Department, no pressure will be exercised by the civil servants concerned that the Questions shall be altered?

Mr. Thorneycroft

The hon. Member is, of course, familiar with the facts of this case. The letter written by the temporary civil servant in the local office was one which should never have been written in the circumstances. The hon. Gentleman has had a full apology from me, and the civil servant concerned has been severely reprimanded. I hope that will close the incident.

Mr. Thomas

Is the Minister aware that this civil servant has been sending out other letters expressing her personal opinion and enclosing franked envelopes for replies to be sent by the people concerned? Will he consider whether, indeed, she ought to be in a position to continue doing that?

Mr. Thorneycroft

If the hon. Gentleman has any other matter of this sort to bring to my attention, I very much hope he will do so.