Jeff Randall at the Daily Telegraph has written an amusing article assessing the peformance of the pupils in what he calls ‘Cabinet College’. However, there is a serious aspect to study by ministers. Most have had no previous ministerial experience. I have therefore tabled a couple of parliamentary questions to elicit what training has been provided for them by the National School of Goverment.
I am especially keen to discover what training has been provided on constitutional practice and conventions not only to ministers but also to civil servants. Given the constitutional reform legislation being introduced by the Government, it is important that civil servants – not least those working for the Deputy Prime Minister in the Cabinet Office – have some grounding in the British Constitution.
Tony Blair apparently didn`t undergo training as his first effort at the Supreme Court showed.
It`s a bit of an ask though to expect all politicians to know even most things about our system, it is horrendously complex. Even when they think they have got it right, the High Courts may find otherwise or as in the case of prostitution and brothels legislation is ignored due to the fact it is unworkable for various reasons.
I must say I expected the “National School of Government” to be a spoof.
Call me cynical but I suspect it may be a school that teaches ministers to leave things in the capable hands of civil servants. Headmaster: H. Appleby
Has it applied for academy status?
I’ll be interested if ministers are being trained in PR/question evasion skills at the public expense
PS Jeff Randall sharp as usual