The convention is a difficult one, not least because there is considerable academic opinion to the effect that the doctrine in its classic form has rarely been observed in recent times. This leaves open the possibility that the convention might in fact have disappeared. However, there is a pattern emerging where ministers are called upon and feel obliged to resign, not for the failings in the operation of their departments, but for their own errors of judgment. The most quoted example of a minister accepting personal blame for departmental errors and resigning as a consequence is that of Sir Thomas Dugdale in relation to the Crichel Down affair in 1954.