ABSTRACT
The Economist has ironically suggested that there is a mathematical formula by which the rate of growth can be measured. Outside bodies may enquire into departmental organization from time to time for particular purposes, but the only effective control is to limit the funds available to pay staff. Financial control is exercised in the first instance by the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Treasury and ultimately by Parliament on Supply Days or acting through the Public Accounts Committee or the Select Committee on Estimates. Parliamentary control is very tenuous. A matter for particular concern is the extensive use of delegated legislation. In theory power to legislate may be delegated to any person or body; in practice delegation is usually to Ministers, the Privy Council or to Local Authorities, who may in certain cases subdelegate. The volume of delegated legislation considerably exceeds that of original legislation. Powers to delegate should be scrutinized more closely before they become effective.
