§ 5. Mr. Ellis Smithasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what exchange control or other official action was taken by Her Majesty's Government during the recent negotiations for the control of the British Aluminium Company; what directions were given to the Bank of England in this connection; and if he will move for a judicial inquiry into the proceedings in view of the Treasury's interest in the matter.
§ Mr. ErrollAs the House was then I informed, the Treasury on 20th January I last gave the necessary consents in connection with the transfer of control of the British Aluminium Company Limited to Reynolds-T.I. Aluminium Company t Limited, a United Kingdom company, No directions were given to the Bank of England. The Answer to the third part of the Question is "No, Sir"
§ Mr. Ellis SmithDoes the hon. Gentleman agree with me that the British I Civil Service has a very high standard? If so, has he seen the very serious allegations made in the publications Life and if Fortune, and, if so, does not this warrant a judicial inquiry? If it was right to treat working men as they were treated during the Lynskey Tribunal when what was at stake was relatively little com-I pared with this, has the hon. Gentleman considered that aspect?
§ Mr. ErrollI would certainly agree with the hon. Member about the high standard of the British Civil Service. I have read one of the articles to which he referred, but I do not think that in itself would call for a judicial inquiry.