47. Sir W. Smirhersasked the Prime Minister if, in view of the persistent attempts of the Communists to infiltrate into every kind of organisation, he will take the necessary steps to make it obligatory for all servants of the Crown and of local authorities to take an oath of loyalty to Her Majesty the Queen, her heirs and successors on the lines of the oath taken by Members of Parliament and by the armed forces.
§ The Prime MinisterI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave him on 25th February.
§ Sir W. SmithersIs my right hon. Friend aware that I venture to make this suggestion as an alternative to the use of force against these traitors in our midst. 778 as they have had to do in France? Is he aware that I have information from a reliable source that there is much subversive influence in the B.B.C.? If I send him particulars, will he study them and send them on to Scotland Yard?
§ The Prime MinisterI naturally would accept any evidence my hon. Friend chose to lay before me. I hope he will not hesitate to send it to me, to make sure that it is examined. We all know the sincerity of his motives.