HC Deb 17 March 1969 vol 780 cc5-6
6. Mr. David Howell

asked the Minister for the Civil Service what steps he is taking to reduce the amount of central control by his Department over Departmental staff matters from the levels previously adhered to by the Treasury.

Mr. George Thomson

I have been asked to reply.

The degree of central control to be exercised over Departments, which are of course the actual employers of staff, is being worked out as part of the development of management in the Civil Service, following the Fulton Report which recommended more central activity in some respects and more delegation in others.

Mr. Howell

I recognise that a great deal of work is being done here, but does the right hon. Gentleman accept that excessive central control of manpower and posting works against the principle of accountable management which Fulton urged, and does he recognise that some downgrading of the traditional degree of central staff control will be necessary?

Mr. Thomson

Yes, Sir. I think that the Paymaster-General is very much aware of the real problem here, and the need for balancing the maximum amount of delegation with the requisite amount of central control which, in a number of aspects of this problem, is very necessary.