§ 45. Mr. Cocksasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the strong feeling that exists that many of the senior Civil Service posts are occupied by people so trained in peace time Treasury methods as to be unable to give the most efficient service in war-time when quite other methods are required; and whether in such cases he will take steps to replace them by men who are capable of initiative and of giving rapid decisions?
§ Mr. AttleeI do not think that experience justifies the reflection upon members of the Civil Service contained in my hon. Friend's Question. I am satisfied that the service in all its ranks is fully capable of discharging quickly and efficiently the duties entrusted to it.
§ Mr. CocksWill the Committee appointed by the Government to look into the Treasury put an end to the unfortunate influence of Sir Horace Wilson?
§ Mr. StokesWill the Lord Privy Seal bear in mind that the country is absolutely fed up with the stagnation in the Civil Service?
§ Captain MarkhamIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that Members of this House who send letters which are answered by civil servants often have to wait a month before they get an answer?
§ Sir H. WilliamsDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that many of us are greatly perturbed because Ministers are not aware of some things about which every back bencher knows?
Viscountess AstorIs it not unfair to the Civil Service? Ought we not to blame 671 the Ministers themselves? Civil servants have to carry out the orders of the Ministers.
§ Sir Henry Morris-JonesDoes the right hon. Gentleman not realise that the fact that the Emergency Services Act, passed by this House a month ago, is still not in force is due to some of the causes mentioned by the hon. Member in the Question?