HC Deb 25 November 1985 vol 87 c608
37. Mr. Chapman

asked the Minister of the Civil Service if he will report progress on implementing Her Majesty's Government's policy of encouraging the secondment of people from industry to the Civil Service and vice versa.

Mr. Luce

The Government continue to encourage the policy of secondments in both directions between the Civil Service and industry.

Mr. Chapman

I am sure that we all wish to maintain the complete political impartiality of the Civil Service, and I recognise that there has been an increase in secondments in recent years, but does my hon. Friend agree that about 100 secondments either way is too low a number when we have almost 600,000 civil servants? Will he make it a Government priority to try to increase the interchange, which I am sure is valuable for both industry and the Civil Service?

Mr. Luce

I agree with my hon. Friend that the maintainence of the political impartiality of the Civil Service is a key to the stability of our political system. My hon. Friend may be right to say that the number of secondments is small, but secondments from the Civil Service to industry and from industry to the Civil Service are increasing. The latest figure available is about 300. I agree with my hon. Friend that it is important that secondments are encouraged.

Mr. Wrigglesworth

Is the Minister aware that there will be a general welcome for the increase in secondments? However, does he agree with his hon. Friend the Member for Chipping Barnet (Mr. Chapman) that the number is still tiny in relation to the size of the Civil Service? What is the impediment? Is it that there is such disparity in the terms and conditions of service that it is difficult to switch individuals backwards and forwards?

Mr. Luce

There are some obstacles and problems in sparing important civil servants for secondment to industry and, equally, in attracting industrialists for a two-year assignment to the Civil Service. I am examining the problem. As I have said, the number of secondments is rising. The latest figures show that 186 civil servants have gone to industry and that 116 industrialists have come into the Civil Service on secondment. I shall do everything that I can to encourage the process.