I have noticed a number of cases recently in which matters requiring Ministerial decision - including submissions to the Government - have gone directly to the Minister's Office from the Divisions concerned, instead of coming through me. This is bad administrative practice and should not be resorted to again in future.

In cases of special urgency, it may be necessary for a Division or an Assistant Secretary to send a matter direct to the Minister. In such a case, a copy of the minute concerned should be sent to the Secretary at the same time.