HC Deb 18 November 1941 vol 376 cc201-2W
Mr. Purbrick

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether a Minister has power to dismiss any of the officials of his Department whom he considers incompetent or redundant, or in whom is such power vested?

Sir K. Wood

Civil Servants hold their positions and may be dismissed at the pleasure of the Crown. The power of dismissal, like other disciplinary powers, is exercised in practice by Heads of Departments on behalf of the Minister concerned.