HC Deb 18 June 1951 vol 489 cc3-4W
56. Brigadier Head

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the changed international situation, His Majesty's Government will make it their policy once again to screen officials appointed to confidential posts who, having entered Government service when this country was allied to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, are known still to hold pro-Russian or Communist views.

Mr. Younger:

As the Prime Minister informed the House on 15th March, 1948, it is the policy of His Majesty's Government that no one who is known to be a member of the Communist Party or to be associated with it in such a way as to raise legitimate doubts about his or her reliability, is employed in connection with work the nature of which is vital to the security of the State.

62. Mr. de Chair

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many members of the Foreign Service were affected by the Government's decision to remove from positions in certain categories of the Government's service, officials with Communist affiliations.

Mr. Younger:

Since the Prime Minister made his statement on Communists and Fascists in the public service on 15th March, 1948, three people have been removed from the Foreign Service on the grounds of their Communist affiliations.