HC Deb 10 July 1940 vol 362 cc1157-8
33. Mr. Cocks

asked the Prime Minister whether he has considered the resolution adopted by the London Chamber of Commerce, a copy of which has been sent to him, urging that in the Civil Service during the war the principle of personal responsibility should be substituted for the peace-time method of conference, committee, Departmental and inter-Departmental reference; and whether measures are being taken to bring about this change and thus to obtain rapid decisions?

Mr. Attlee

I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the directions which my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has recently had issued to all Departments on the need for speed in decision. But my hon. Friend will agree that unconsidered action is not useful and that consultation between Departments remains necessary, and is not incompatible with personal responsibility.

Mr. Butcher

Will my right hon. Friend arrange to have that printed in the OFFICIAL REPORT?

Mr. Attlee

indicated assent.

Following are the directions:

"AVOIDANCE OF ADMINISTRATIVE DELAYS.

I am directed by the Lords Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury to inform you that the Prime Minister had directed that it is essential in present circumstances that all Departments and all branches of the Service should take every possible step to avoid administrative delays, to accelerate decisions and to expedite executive action.

Since the war there has been a noticeable speeding up of public business but to-day's needs demand that more must be done; I am to ask, therefore, that this matter may be given further urgent consideration as regards business both within Departments and between Departments.

The following possibilities should, in particular, be explored:

  1. (1) Simplification of procedure, e.g., in putting to tender and placing of contracts, accounting methods, etc.
  2. (2) Further development of oral discussion in place of written minutes, the final conclusions alone being recorded.
  3. (3) Expedition of action when agreement on policy has been reached, e.g., on the strength of oral instructions, subsequently confirmed in writing if necessary.
    4. 1158
  4. (4) Devolution of responsibility and authority where this has not already been done. Where matters must be submitted to higher authority, it should be the endeavour to put forward a specific recommendation rather than a mere analysis of the position.
  5. (5) Consideration wherever practicable of a topic affecting a number of branches or sub-departments simultaneously rather than consecutively.
  6. (6) Reduction in the number of branches or officers to whom matters are referred, unless such branches or officers have a real interest in the question under consideration.

As you are no doubt aware, special arrangements have been made in a number of cases to expedite consultation between the Treasury and the Departments so that authority for expenditure may rapidly be given. There Lordships will be glad to explore with Departments any cases in which it is felt that the existing arrangements for obtaining financial approval, whether within Departments or from the Treasury, can be further improved. Officers of the Treasury will be ready at once to meet representatives of your Department with a view to discussing these arrangements. This circular should be brought at once to the notice of all responsible officers in your Department."