§ Q172. Mr. DalyellTo ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to her answer to the hon. Member for Walsall, North (Mr. Winnick) of 24 April,Official Report, column 392, what steps are taken to monitor centrally the exercise of disciplinary powers by individual Government Departments; and where ministerial responsibility lies for ensuring consistency in the application of such powers.
§ The Prime MinisterThe principles which govern the conduct of the Home Civil Service are my responsibility as Minister for the Civil Service, which includes laying down the general procedures to be followed to ensure fairness and consistency of practice. The Cabinet Office (Office of the Minister for the Civil Service) is available to provide advice and guidance on their application to particular cases. Disciplinary action against an individual is the responsibility of the Department concerned and is not monitored centrally.