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).