THE MACHINE OF STATE.

Taihape Daily Times, 9 January 1919, Page 4

THE MACHINE OF STATE.

REORGANISATION NEEDED,

LONDON, January 7,

The committee under Viscount Haldane’s presidency to inquire into the machinery of government recommends that the Cabinet should consist of ton and not more than twelve members, and that it should be supplied with information in such a way as to enable it to reach an expeditious decision. The Cabinet should also make a point of consulting all the Ministers whose work is likely to affect its decisions. The committee, commenting on the non-utilisation of women’s services in the administrative departments and the intelligence branches says: "The Public Service lias hitherto been deprived of the vast knowledge and fresh ideas, which for particular purposes has freon more relevant than even that of the ablest men in the Civil Service.” The committee recommends closer Parliamentary control over the administrative departments; . the appointment of a Minister to preside over the Empire Department of Intelligence and Research, instancing the importance of the work achieved during the war by the Privy Council; organisation to encourage the application of science to industry; but discountenances the forming of special Ministers for various classes of the community, which are less effective than a department concentrating on the needs of the community as a whole. There must be better combination between the various departments instead of working in watertight compartments The committee advocates the creation of a Ministry of Railways, and if the railways are

nationalised the creation also of a Ministry for the purchase of Government supplies. The Home (Secretaryship should be transformed into a. Ministry of Justice, and all the judges be appointed by the Lord Chancellor.