§ Mr. Loveridgeasked the Minister for the Civil Service what changes have been made in this century over the powers of Ministers in relation to changes in senior Civil Service appointments within their Departments; and how far these powers have been transferred from senior Ministers to the Prime Minister.
§ Mr. Charles R. MorrisSince 1920 the consent of the Prime Minister has been required to the appointment or removal of permanent heads of Department and their deputies; and the Head of the Civil Service has been responsible for advising the Prime Minister about these appointments. Before doing so, the Head of the Civil Service ensures that the views of the Minister in charge of the Department concerned have been fully taken into account and are embodied in his advice. Evidence about the procedure earlier in this century is not entirely conclusive; however, it is clear that before 1920 many permanent secretary and deputy secretary appointments were approved by the Prime Minister, although there was no formal requirement.