The Papers of Sir Richard (Otto) Clarke

Clarke was born 13 August 1910. In 1950 he married Brenda Pile and they had three sons. He died 21 June 1975.

Clarke first worked for British Electrical and Allied Manufacturers' Association, 1932-1933. During the Second World War Clarke worked at the Ministries of Information, Economic Warfare, Supply and Production, 1939-1945, as well as the Combined Production and Resources Board (Washington), 1942-1943. He was Assistant Secretary at HM Treasury, 1945, Under-Secretary 1947, Third Secretary 1955-1962, Second Secretary 1962-1966. In 1966 he was Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Aviation. He worked at the Ministry of Technology, 1966-1970. He was a member of the Council of Manchester Business School, 1969-1974, the Council of Industry for Management Education, 1971-1975. Vice-President of the Royal Institution, 1971-1975. Chairman of the International Panel of BSI, 1973-1975. Clarke was also a Director of various companies during the 1970s.

His publications include "The Economic Effort of War" (pub. 1939), "The Management of the Public Sector of the National Economy" (Stamp Memorial Lecture, 1964), "New Trends in Government" (pub. 1971) and "Taxation Policy" (pub. 1973).

This collection of Clarke's papers covers most of his life particularly the period from the Second World War to the end of his life. The material includes correspondence, articles, speeches, lectures and notes on budgets. Also included are publications by Clarke himself and by others. In addition there are some papers relating to Clarke's death.

The papers were deposited in four accessions by Lady Clarke at Churchill Archives Centre between 1987 and 1990.

The collection has been partially sorted and listed. As of August 2005 28 boxes had been catalogued, with 15 boxes remaining uncatalogued.

The collection is open for consultation by researchers using Churchill Archives Centre, Churchill College, Cambridge. Churchill Archives Centre is open from Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm. A prior appointment and two forms of identification are required.

Researchers wishing to publish excerpts from the papers must obtain prior permission from the copyright holders and should seek advice from Archives Centre staff.

Please cite as Churchill Archives Centre, The Papers of Sir Richard (Otto) Clarke, CLRK

Sir Richard (Otto) Clarke's official papers can be found at the National Archives ref. PRO 30/96 and T325.

A box list and partial catalogue can be consulted at Churchill Archives Centre, Cambridge.

This collection (fonds) level description was prepared by Louise King of Churchill Archives Centre in October 2003. Additional catalogue information was added by Andrew Riley in August 2005.