HC Deb 09 December 1996 vol 287 cc1-2
1. Mr. Barry Jones

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many statements he has made concerning the Government's policy in respect of impartiality in the home civil service. [6494]

The Deputy Prime Minister (Mr. Michael Heseltine)

I am always ready to confirm the Government's commitment to a politically impartial civil service. I did so at the Dispatch Box just four weeks ago and I do so again today.

Mr. Jones

Has not one of the principal victims of 17 years of Conservative Government been the home civil service? Have not the Government always attempted to bully and manipulate our civil service? Will the Deputy Prime Minister take this opportunity to tell the House that in no way has he ever tried to bully or manipulate the Cabinet Secretary?

The Deputy Prime Minister

I realise that the Labour party has been out of power for a long time, but it grossly underestimates the reserve and resilience of the British civil service if it thinks for one minute that it would be bullied or manipulated.

Sir Patrick Cormack

Does my right hon. Friend agree that although we are very fortunate in having an incomparable civil service in this country, nevertheless it has inflicted a number of wounds on itself in recent years by leaking?

The Deputy Prime Minister

The whole basis on which documents are now leaked is severely prejudicial to the good conduct of government in this country, and it is much to be deplored that it is encouraged and abetted ruthlessly and remorselessly by the Labour party.

Mr. Mackinlay

Is it not clear that the Government have been in office too long and that the widespread view, in all professions and at all levels, is that change is needed? Would that not also be a good signal and reassurance for the historical impartiality of the home civil service? The problem for the incoming Labour Government are the placemen and placewomen who have been put in charge of the quangos and who, overwhelmingly, are Tory friends and Tory plants.

The Deputy Prime Minister

If there were any validity in the idea that being in control for a long time demanded change, the first casualty would be Labour inner-city authorities, which have ruled their areas for much longer than we have ruled this country.