HC Deb 26 January 1983 vol 35 c443W
Mr. Eggar

asked the Prime Minister if she will make a statement on the future of the Rayner unit.

The Prime Minister

I announced last month that I had accepted with great regret Sir Derek Rayner's decision that, in view of his increasing commitments to his company, he must ask to be released from the leadership of the unit which bears his name. Sir Derek Rayner will continue to advise me and my right hon. and noble Friend the Lord Privy Seal on general efficiency questions as necessary and will complete certain tasks that he had undertaken personally on behalf of some Ministers. The unit will continue to operate under the direction of Mr. C. Priestley, who since May 1982 has also been in charge of the management and efficiency divisions of the Management and Personnel Office. The unit will provide staff support for Sir Derek Rayner as required and co-ordinate the programme of departmental scrutinies.