Oral Answers to Questions — Civil Servants (Vetting)

– in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 7 July 1970.

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Photo of Mr Marcus Lipton Mr Marcus Lipton , Lambeth Brixton 12:00, 7 July 1970

asked the Prime Minister whether civil servants responsible for the compilation of immigration statistics are subject to positive vetting procedures.

Photo of Mr Edward Heath Mr Edward Heath , Bexley

It has been the practice of successive Governments not to disclose details of the posts to which the positive vetting procedure applies.

Photo of Mr Marcus Lipton Mr Marcus Lipton , Lambeth Brixton

Is the Prime Minister aware that the most serious charges are being made by the right hon. Member for Wolverhampton, South-West (Mr. Powell) [HON. MEMBERS: "Where is he?"] I have given him notice.

Is not the Prime Minister aware that serious charges are being made by the right hon. Gentleman that enemies of this country have been infiltrated into Government Departments and have persistently and cruelly misled the people of this country by providing false immigration statistics? [HON. MEMBERS: "Reading."] Will the Prime Minister take any action either to substantiate or to disprove these very serious animadversions on the character and integrity of our Civil Service?

Photo of Mr Edward Heath Mr Edward Heath , Bexley

If any complaints are made to me or my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary they will be investigated at once. No such complaints have been made. [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."] The former Home Secretary made exactly the same statement, that he would of course have investigated them. He was quite right. This Administration has complete confidence in Her Majesty's Civil Service.

Photo of Mr Merlyn Rees Mr Merlyn Rees , Leeds South

Is it not indefensible at an election time or any other time for a Privy Councillor and self-declared patriot to question the loyalty of civil servants? Should not the Prime Minister think of this matter as Prime Minister and not as leader of his party and have a security investigation straight away?

Photo of Mr Edward Heath Mr Edward Heath , Bexley

There is no justification for any kind of security investigation into the Civil Service. No sort of complaint has been substantiated whatever. Every right hon. and hon. Gentleman must take responsibility for his own statements.

Photo of Mr William Molloy Mr William Molloy , Ealing North

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the entire Civil Service is awaiting his response to these questions this afternoon? [HON. MEMBERS: "Nonsense."] It is not a bit of use hon. Members shouting, "Nonsense". I am sure that the Prime Minister knows better. Will he take advantage of this opportunity to condemn and repudiate what has been said, restore the confidence of loyal civil servants of this country and condemn the vile utterance that was made? The evidence which I sent him for examination—[HON. MEMBERS: "Speech."] This is very important. Will the right hon. Gentleman take advantage of this opportunity and clear the name of men and women whose good name has been foully soiled by a member of his party?

Photo of Mr Edward Heath Mr Edward Heath , Bexley

I took the first opportunity of expressing complete confidence in the Civil Service when I opened the Civil Service College on the Friday after I took office, and I have done so again this afternoon.