15. The fact that we are proposing this scheme does not mean that we think that the administration of Government departments is open to serious criticism or that injustices are frequently suffered by individual citizens. Far from it. We are in no doubt that the tradition of integrity and impartiality in our public administration is being fully maintained. But our proposal should increase confidence in that administration-by enabling complaints about administrative action to be fully and impartially investigated, so that, if a grievance is justified, it may be remedied, or, if it is unjustified, this may be demonstrated. It should also result, as has proved to be the case in other countries, in the further improvement of administrative standards and efficiency.
Conclusion. Two principles
16. In formulating our proposals we have paid regard to two important principles. First, that this new institution should serve to develop and reinforce our existing constitutional arrangements for the protection of the individual. Secondly, that the scope of the scheme must be made as clear as possible, so that everybody may know as plainly as may be what cases the Commissioner will be able to take up and what their rights and obligations will be in relation to his inquiries.
17. In due course, it may be desirable to consider extending the powers of the Commissioner to deal with complaints of the private citizen against the administrative actions of other public authorities. But, first, we intend to seek experience of the Commissioner in the field of relationships between the citizen and central Government.
54122 Dd. 123046 K16 1/60 St.S.
7
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.