HC Deb 26 June 1989 vol 155 cc695-6
74. Mr. Allen

To ask the Minister for the Civil Service when he will next meet representatives of the NUCPS; and what matters he expects to discuss.

The Minister of State, Privy Council Office (Mr. Richard Luce)

I have meetings from time to time with representatives of Civil Service trade unions both centrally and during visits to Departments. Matters of mutual interest are discussed.

Mr. Allen

Is the Minister aware that the senior civil servant in every Government Department has been replaced since the Prime Minister took office? That treatment is almost as ruthless as her treatment of the 1979 Cabinet. Does the Minister support that policy? If not, what steps will he take to restore some impartiality to the senior Civil Service?

Mr. Luce

I do not understand what the hon. Gentleman means by every senior civil servant. If he is talking about permanent secretaries, perhaps he needs reminding that we have been in office since 1979. It is not surprising that many permanent secretaries have changed and that many of them have retired. To suggest that any of our senior civil servants are not impartial but partial is a serious allegation.