XN000022-1973-05-23 — Page 25

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Wednesday, May 23, 1973

The report states that the need for change in government machinery

stems primarily from growth, and notes that the activities of the government

are so important to so many people that "any fundamental changes in its

machinery must be introduced with caution."

From the outset, the consultants dispel any impression that the

report is critical of the overall performance of the government. They point

out that in the main they found staff to be hardworking and dedicated.

According to the consultants, however, a number of changes in

the central government machinery would also be required if the full benefits

from the recommended process changes were to be realised.

Whilst they believe that responsibility for policy formulation and

for overall results must remain firmly entrenched with the central government,

they contend that departments should be given the resources and authority

to carry out activities within their own province without constant reference to

the secretariat.

In this regard, they suggest that, initially, there should be six

policy branches with general areas of responsibility and headed by senior

officers with wider authority. These would take the following form:

ECONOMIC, with responsibility for policy and

programmes covering the commercial and industrial field, monetary and foreign exchange, banking, securities and stock exchanges, primary products, public utilities such as electricity, gas and telephones, mass transit (overall control of finance and establishment of the authority), shipping, transport franchises and external

aspects of civil aviation.

/2. ENVIRONMENT,