Originally published in 1957, this book gives a comprehensive account of the scope and variety of the work previously performed by Scottish Government departments in Whitehall during the second half of the 20th Century. The then Secretary of State for Scotland's role was unusually diverse – he or she was the equivalent to a number of English ministers. The book examines this complex role and then analyses the work and organisation of 4 main departments: Agriculture, Education, Health and Home. The approach is a broad one, with an explanation given of how and why Scottish arrangements and practices differ from those south of the border.