HC Deb 10 March 1982 vol 19 c843
42. Mr. Eggar

Minister for the Civil Service what priority is being given to proven management experience when decisions are being made on promotions within the open structure.

Mr. Hayhoe

Proven management experience already is, and should increasingly be, taken into account in deciding on promotions within the open structure.

Mr. Eggar

I thank my hon. Friend for that reply. In the past, has not too much importance been given to the quality of advice given by civil servants on policy matters? Should there not be a move towards a position where people are promoted within the Civil Service because of the quality of their management skills and especially their advice on financial and personnel matters?

Mr. Hayhoe

My hon. Friend has got it right. This is what we propose to do.

Mr. Robert C. Brown

Has not the Minister denied many civil servants on Tyneside the opportunity of promotion by his absurd and disgraceful decision to transfer the regional offices of many Government Departments from Newcastle upon Tyne to Leeds, thereby adding to the unemployment figures in an already overburdened unemployment area?

Mr. Hayhoe

The hon. Gentleman pushes his constituency interest with skill and vigour in the House. The changes were made in the interests of cost-effectiveness and efficiency.