§ Sir A. HOLBROOKasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether his attention has been drawn to rumours circulated in the Press to the effect that various sections of the permanent Civil Service are organising with a view to carry out strike methods, with a view to a complete disorganisation of the public service, as a means of protest against the postponement of reconstruction schemes and alleged ineffectiveness of the Whitley Council; and whether disciplinary action will be taken against any members of the Service in the event of their adopting any such methods?
Mr. YOUNGMy attention has been drawn to certain statements in the Press of the kind referred to in my hon. and gallant Friend's question. I need hardly say that any attempt to disorganise the machinery of Government would be promptly dealt with. I am confident, however, that the Civil Service as a whole remains true to the high tradition of loyalty and integrity that has always characterised it, and that the great body of civil servants, so far from sympathising with such methods, would most strongly condemn them.