§ 50. Mr. John Grantasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether the statement made by his Department's Permanent Secretary during the meeting of the departmental Whitley Council on 17th July which was followed by the withdrawal of staff side representatives was made with his authority; and what action he will now take.
§ Sir K. JosephThe statement by my Permanent Secretary, which was followed by the withdrawal of the representatives of one constituent association at the departmental Whitley Council meeting, was properly made on his own responsibility, speaking for the official side in the council. He neither sought my authority for what he said nor would I 289W have expected him to do so in this context. I see no need for me to take any action.