Written question asked by Lord Lester of Herne Hill (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 11 July 2002. It was answered by Lord Macdonald of Tradeston (Labour) on Thursday, 11 July 2002.

Macdonald of Tradeston, Lord

Question: Whether they remain in favour of a Civil Service Act to bring the Civil Service more directly under the oversight of Parliament; if not, why not; and if so, what are the reasons for the continuing delay in publishing a discussion paper on the proposal; and whether they consider that it would be desirable to introduce a Civil Service Bill on the lines proposed by the Cabinet Secretary, Sir Richard Wilson, in his speech of 26 March. [HL 4197;HL 4198]. - The Government's position on legislation for the Civil Service is as set out in their submission to the Committee on Standards in Public Life, copies of which are in Library.

Secondary information