HC Deb 14 November 1972 vol 846 cc207-8
Q1. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the decision to terminate the work of the committee under Sir Richard Meyjes, which was examining and making recommendations on the machinery of government in Whitehall; and what steps he is taking to find a successor to Sir Richard Meyjes.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Edward Heath)

The original business team, under Sir Richard Meyjes, was set up with the objective of having the organisation of government reviewed by businessmen with experience of commercial and industrial management. The work has now been successfully completed and the members have returned to their parent companies or to other appointments. It is not necessary to set up another team at the centre but a number of businessmen have been appointed to senior posts in Departments.

Mr. Dalyell

The Property Services Agency apart, what has Meyjes achieved in Whitehall?

The Prime Minister

I thought the hon. Gentleman might have referred to "Sir Richard Meyjes and his team". What Sir Richard has done, along with his colleagues, is to undertake a complete review of the organisation of government. Apart from the Property Services Agency, they have also been responsible for the establishment of the Procurement Executive and he chaired the committee which undertook a review of the Public Trustee Office and many other aspects of government. In fact, they have well proved their worth. They have worked for a period of two years and have now returned to their firms.

Mr. Wilkinson

Will my right hon. Friend agree that the establishment of the Procurement Agency in terms of defence has been one of the most exciting reforms since the Second World War, since it brings the user and the supplier into a closer relationship and provides the streamlining of operations which is long overdue?

The Prime Minister

I believe that it has brought about a great improvement in the machinery of government and also has saved the taxpayer money. In addition, the team were responsible for the introduction of programme analysis and review throughout the whole of the government machine. This in itself is a major objective achieved.

Mr. Thorpe

Did Sir Richard recommend that Mr. Cecil King had any particular rôle to play?

The Prime Minister

It has never been mentioned to me, but I have not yet had time to turn up the index to see whether his name appears there.