§ 46. Colonel Goodmanasked the Prime Minister whether, with a view to settling prevailing uncertainty on the matter, he will state whether the Permanent Secretary to the Treasury is the head of the Civil Service?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir. The status of the Permanent Secretary to the Treasury as head of the Civil Service has been recognised for something like 70 years. It dates from the period during which the previously unco-ordinated civil establishments of the Crown were organised as a regular Service under general Treasury control, and the position has been publicly affirmed from time to time since. Experience has shown that it is a convenient and businesslike arrangement and one which—under Ministerial control, and particularly under the control 1480 of the Prime Minister as First Lord of the Treasury—forms an essential link in providing the requisite means of ensuring the efficient administration of public business.
§ Mr. Wedgwood BennWhen the Prime Minister is not the First Lord of the Treasury, what then?
§ The Prime MinisterWait until that arises.