HC Deb 09 February 1970 vol 795 cc885-6
12. Mr. Goodhew

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received concerning the reinstatement of Mr. Robin Page as a special investigator.

Mr. Crossman

Mr. Page appealed to me, and his staff association made representations at his request. The hon. Member for Ludlow (Mr. More) asked a Question in the House on 19th December. A few letters have been received from members of the public criticising the decision to dismiss Mr. Page.—[Vol. 793, c. 474.]

Mr. Goodhew

Why is the right hon. Gentleman insisting upon the persecution of this man? First of all he is dismissed and now he is being threatened with the Official Secrets Act. Is it not a fact that he was acting in the public interest in disclosing fraudulent uses of the social services and should not the Minister welcome that?

Mr. Crossman

I am a little surprised at the tone of that supplementary question. Mr. Page is not being dismissed for the views he has expressed in his article. He is being dismissed because he broke the basic rule of the Civil Service which is that a person does not publish articles in the Press attacking the Department which he serves. If he is to do that he must resign first and then do it. I am quite amazed that hon. Gentlemen opposite do not accept that view.

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