§ Mr. Soamesasked the Minister for the Civil Service what steps he is taking to reward initiative on the part of civil servants; and what penalties he will introduce in the event of errors.
§ Mr. LuceThe Government's programme for improved management efficiency is directed at the encouragement of good performance by civil servants at all levels. Important elements in his programme include arrangements for the better management and control of22W resources, the setting of clearer objectives for staff, the development of more effective staff reporting and appraisal procedures and the experimental performance bonus scheme which is designed to encourage and reward particularly good performance. Steps have also been taken to deal more effectively with poor performance. Questions of penalties for mistakes or misdeeds by individual civil servants are dealt with as part of the procedures for reporting and appraisal or under the disciplinary procedures set out in Estacode section Kb, a copy of which is in the Library of the House, as appropriate.