§ 36. Mr. Cocksasked the Prime Minister whether he will, in war-time, apply the same rules regarding the efficient conduct of the war to senior civil servants as to military commanders and will consider retiring or transferring to other positions all high civil servants who were specially associated with the policy which has resulted in a deficiency of tanks, aeroplanes and other weapons of war?
§ Mr. AttleeNo distinction exists in the treatment accorded to military and civil officers where any question of efficiency is concerned. As my hon. Friend is aware, and as my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister had occasion to point out to the House on the 6th June, responsibility for policy rests not upon officials but upon Ministers.
§ Mr. CocksIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that often the efforts of a Minister may be hampered by civil servants who have been trained in the old school of circumlocution and delay?
§ Mr. AttleeThe answer to the hon. Member is that if a Minister finds that his orders are not being carried out, he has his remedy.
§ Mr. StokesArising out of the original answer, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that we shall never get on with this job unless there is a ruthless cutting away of the dead wood in the Civil Service?