§ Lieut.-Commander Fletcherasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that Civil Service officials serving at the Admiralty who may request to have interviews with the Secretary are frequently subjected to pressure by the heads of their Departments to withdraw such requests; and whether he will notify heads of Departments that such pressure should not be exercised, and that access to the Secretary is the right of all officials?
Mr. CooperSo far as I am aware, there is no foundation for the hon. and gallant Member's suggestion, but I should be glad to investigate any instances of the action alleged if he will send me particulars. The procedure for redress of grievances is laid down in Admiralty Office Instructions, and there is not, as the hon. and gallant Member supposes, any recognised right of personal access to the Secretary by every member of the civil staff. But I am satisfied that if750W there were reasonable grounds for an interview with the Secretary, he would not refuse to accede to a request to see him.