HC Deb 31 July 1952 vol 504 cc172-3W
80. Major Beamish

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many civil servants have been compulsorily transferred, by reason of membership of the Communist Party, or association with Communist activities, such as to cause doubts about their loyalty; on what dates these transfers were made and within which Government Departments; and to what extent he is now satisfied that no persons whose loyalty is suspect are employed in positions of trust which could involve the security of the State.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Fifty-eight civil servants have been transferred at various dates since June, 1948. The list of Departments to which or within which they were transferred is given below. No security system can be certain to be 100 per cent. satisfactory but I would remind my hon. and gallant Friend that the system introduced in 1948 has recently been reinforced by the new procedure of special inquiries about those employed on exceptionally secret work.

Following is the list of Departments:

  • Admiralty.
  • Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.
  • Air Ministry.
  • Central Land Board.
  • Central Office of Information.
  • Customs and Excise.
  • Department of Scientific and Industrial Research.
  • Ministry of Education.
  • Ministry of Food.
  • Forestry Commission.
  • Ministry of Fuel and Power.
  • General Post Office.
  • General Register Office.
  • Government Chemist.
  • Ministry of Health.
  • Home Office.
  • Ministry of Labour and National Service.
  • Land Registry.
  • Royal Mint.
  • Ministry of National Insurance.
  • National Parks Commission.
  • Board of Trade.
  • Ministry of Works.