Top civil servants are returning to their posts six months after a musical chairs shuffle caused by Labour and Home Affairs Permanent Secretary Robert Horton being forced to take accrued holiday time.

Mr. Horton returns to Home Affairs to relieve Brian Rowlinson, who goes back to his former post as Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Environment.

Former Works and Engineering Permanent Secretary Russell Wade, who spent four months in the top post at Environment, will oversee the final stream of the Tynes Bay incinerator.

Government initiated reassigning top civil servants earlier this year as part of a professional development programme, the Department of Communications and Information said yesterday.

Head of the Civil Service Stanley Oliver said yesterday: "The permanent secretaries who were reassigned earlier this year have gained valuable knowledge as a result of the opportunity to experience a difference ministry.

"Government is pleased that these individuals continue to perform admirably for their own benefit and that of the Civil Service."