At a time when major constitutional change is in the air, it is vital to understand the inner working of the executive Government. This book highlights major recent changes in the way government organizes itself and controls the action of its Departments. It shows how public service reforms, judicial review, and European law are changing not just the inner life of the executive Government, but its place in our constitution as well. `Review from previous edition this is a formidable addition to the literature of modern UK government and public administration, written from an unusual and innovative constitutional-legal perspective ... particularly impressive in its skillful intermixing of historical analysis of traditional principles and a wide-ranging review of the implications of post-1979 public management reforms ... an extraordinary wealth of detail ... a useful and truly impressive book.' Gavin Drewry, New Institutionalism and Organizational Theory, a Review Article.`Daintith and Page have presented us with a masterly and illuminating account of the various and significant ways in which the executive plays its part in the working of the constitution and in maintaining and implementing basic constitutional principles. Their book enriches our understanding of the modern constitution and of the place within it of an executive whose role should not any longer be undervalued.' Colin Turpin The Cambridge Law Journal July 2000 Vol.59 Part 2`This book will provide a useful reference for those who want to understand the formal mechanism for control on the fragmented Executive.' Martin J Smith, Govt and Opp.`A wonderful description of current structures, processes, practices and rules which relate to the resources of the executive, its people, money and laws.' Brian Thompson, Parliamentary Affairs Vol.53 No.2 B