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13.
To ensure that coherent and consistent policies are developed in the various programme areas, and generally to assist in the decision-making process, there is the Chief Secretary's Committee. Specifically, its terms of reference are first, to ensure that all Secretaries are
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kept informed of the overall progress of Government's policies, and of any internal or external political and economic developments which could affect them; secondly, to be advised of progress or delays, and of any problems which arise, or which are likely to arise, in any of the programme areas; thirdly, to consider any current issues which might influence future planning; and, fourthly, to discuss matters of public concern which could affect the morale and well-being of the community and/or the civil service.
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In addition, the Chief Secretary's Committee has assumed a role in the determination of priorities between policies, for available resources of finance and manpower are always relatively scarce, quite apart from macro-economic considerations relating to the acceptable size of the public sector In this connection, I would like to think the Chief Secretary's Committee bears in mind Macaulay's universal rule that a government which attempts more than it ought will perform less law 26 jam 2i
15.
Both policy and resources branch Secretaries are authorised to give directions from time to time, or as they see fit to a head of department except in those cases where, by law, the ultimate responsibility is vested in a head of department, but he is expected to consult the Secretary concerned where the action to be taken is likely to lead to political or social difficulties, or to significant opposition or discontentoong
16... The rationale for this exercise of authority by a
vhit, 20] Secretary is quite simple: a head of department' is answerable to the Governor for the proper running of his department,
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