Written question asked by Lord Marlesford (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Bach (Labour) on Tuesday, 21 March 2006.

Defra: Permanent Under-Secretary

Question: Whether they will set out in the Official Report the terms and conditions of employment of the Permanent Under-Secretary of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, including her normal days and hours of work.

Answer: The Permanent Under-Secretary’s contract requires her to work four and a half days a week. Her pay is proportionately reduced. Like all senior civil servants, however, her contract provides that she will work whatever hours are necessary to properly carry out her role. The Government welcome the proposal to work part-time. It bears out our belief in the value of flexible working and demonstrates commitment to provide opportunities for all employees to achieve a better work-life balance.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 4620; 680 c30WA
Session: 2005-06
Subjects: Conditions of employment Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Working hours Senior civil servants
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk