HC Deb 05 May 1953 vol 515 cc191-2
34. Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how far, in deciding the suitability of civil servants to discharge their duties, he takes into account adverse information as to their private and domestic affairs.

35. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the general practice in respect of letters addressed to any Government Department asking for information or conveying complaints concerning the private affairs of civil servants.

Mr. R. A. Butler

This is a matter for Departmental discretion, and it is not possible to give a reply in general terms since circumstances will vary from case to case. I can, however, say that it is not the normal practice of Departments to give information about the private affairs of civil servants.

Lieut-Colonel Lipton

Will the right hon. Gentleman do his best to see that Civil Service careers are not ruined by threats to disclose purely domestic affairs to Departmental chiefs? In this connection, is he aware that a threatening letter from the hon. Member for Orpington (Sir W. Smithers) that was sent to a Treasury official was the subject of severe judicial criticism in the Divorce Court last Thursday? Is it in the public interest that any Member of Parliament should be able to persecute any civil servant in this odious and meddlesome way?

Mr. Butler

I do not underestimate the anxiety that has been created, but I have the greatest difficulty in controlling Government Departments, and I should find it quite impossible to control hon. Members.

Mr. Sorensen

Does not the right hon. Gentleman personally deprecate this attempt to investigate private affairs of individuals who are serving our country? Therefore, will he not at least give some indication to the various Departments that inquiries of this nature are reprehensible?

Mr. Butler

The answer to that is quite clear. In so far as Government Departments are concerned I should like to give the assurance I did in my original answer, that it is not the normal practice of Departments to give information about the private affairs of civil servants, and in so far as my influence goes, which, I hope, is not too small, I shall do my best to see that the hon. Member's apprehensions are fully understood in this matter.

Air Commodore Harvey

On a point of order. The matter now being discussed affects the action of an hon. Member of this House. Should it not be addressed to you, Mr. Speaker, rather than to a Minister of the Crown?

Mr. Speaker

In general, the proper course when one is attacking another hon. Member is to submit a Motion to me on the subject. It is rather awkward to have these things sprung at short notice.

Mr. Sorensen

I made no implication against any hon. Member of the House in the Question I put down.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

Further to that point of order. I informed the hon. Member for Orpington of my intention to raise this matter.