HC Deb 02 April 1984 vol 57 cc645-6
36. Mr. Eggar

asked the Minister for the Civil Service to what extent his Department was involved in the recent review of the management and organisation of the Ministry of Defence.

Mr. Hayhoe

Both central Departments have kept in touch with the development in the Ministry of Defence of the MINIS system, on which the review was based. But the review itself was carried out by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence.

Mr. Eggar

Has my hon. Friend noted that a key part of the Secretary of State's proposals relates to the introduction of responsibility budgets? What plans has my hon. Friend to ensure that his Department urges other Departments in Whitehall to introduce similar systems?

Mr. Hayhoe

The central Departments have, of course, been urging all the Departments in Whitehall to carry through the measures that were outlined in the White Paper concerned with the financial management initiative, and the point raised by my hon. Friend is part of that.

Mr. Pavitt

Is the Minister responsible for the staff of the Ministry of Defence engaged in armament sales, who have lost a few million pounds by first moving into and then moving out of 35 Great Smith street? If the Minister is responsible, will he now discuss that reorganisation and find out whether it is costing us money or saving it?

Mr. Hayhoe

It is not my responsibility; it is a matter for the Secretary of State. If the facts given by the hon. Member are correct, my right hon. Friend will wish to look at the matter.

Mr. Soames

Does my hon. Friend agree that the review undertaken by the Secretary of State for Defence was a remarkable achievement? Will my hon. Friend press him further to ensure that such reviews, where possible, are carried out in all other Government Departments?

Mr. Hayhoe

All Secretaries of State are responsible for the work of their own Departments, and it certainly is not for me to instruct Secretaries of State how to go about their business. But I am sure that they will have taken note of the sage advice of my hon. Friend.

Mr. Campbell-Savours

Has not organisation at GCHQ been grossly undermined in the last few days with the introduction today of the polygraph? Why does not the hon. Gentleman withdraw that evil device and restore the rights of people at GCHQ to live by the loyalty that they have traditionally shown to the nation?

Mr. Hayhoe

The hon. Gentleman's question about GCHQ has absolutely nothing to do with the question before the House concerning the Ministry of Defence. The hon. Gentleman's question is not only irrelevant; it is wholly inaccurate, in that he is basing it on press reports that are untrue.