HC Deb 21 September 1943 vol 392 cc60-1W
Mr. Boothby

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food the number and the names of those officials in his Department who were employed in peace-time by Imperial Chemical Industries, Limited, together with the appointments they hold; and whether any of these officials are at present in receipt of any remuneration from Imperial Chemical Industries, Limited?

Mr. Mabane

Information of the nature asked for covering the total staff of the Ministry could not be obtained without a disproportionate expenditure of time and labour. An examination of the staff records of all officers in die grades of Director, Deputy Director and Assistant Director, and of senior officers engaged on work of a scientific character discloses no instance of previous employment in Imperial Chemical Industries, Limited.

Sir E. Graham-Little

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he will name the persons at present in the position of controllers or directors of sections of his Ministry who have, or have had, business connections in the production, provision, or distribution of food; and which of these persons are still financially interested in these private businesses while holding office in his Ministry?

Mr. Mabane

The following list gives the names of Directors in my Depart- ment who were, on appointment, principals or employees of firms engaged in the production, provision or distribution of food:

F. Aldridge. A. G. Marsden.
Dr. W. Clayton. F. Monkhouse.
W. B. Chrimes. G. S. Noon.
Eustace Davies. T. A. Noyes.
Sir Herbert Davis. B. E. Payne.
W. S. Duthie. J. A. Peacock.
C. D. B. Ellis. L. W. Phillips.
J. N. Frears. J. V. Rank.
A. E. Gough. J. Roberts.
A. Greig. Sir William Rook.
H. R. Humphries. H. L. Sanderson.
G. Huskisson. Capt. J. Elliot Seager.
J. H. Jermine. G. T. Shipston.
Harold Jones. J. P. Van den Bergh.
J. C. Kidd. W. Wallace.
J. W. Knight. H. Webster.
C. A. Loombe. S. N. Whibley.
J. Loudon. F. Wilkinson.

My Noble Friend is not concerned with what connection, if any, these gentlemen now have with their firms, provided, as he is satisfied is the case, they give efficient service to the Government and adhere to the principles laid down for such appointments. In this latter connection I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 1st December, 1942, to the hon. Member for Romford (Mr. Parker).