§ MR. KIMBER (Wandsworth)asked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether his attention has been called to the recommendation in the First Report of the Royal Commission on Civil Establishments, that the Civil Service should be dealt with as a whole, and not by Departments; and, whether it is proposed to re-arrange the clerical staff of the Admiralty by itself, on the recommendation of a Departmental Committee, and not in accordance with the recommendations of the Royal Commission; and, if so, for what reason?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. GOSCHEN) (St. George's, Hanover Square)I have seen the first Report of the Royal Commission on Civil Services. It is obviously impossible for me, in answer to a Question, to discuss the large and important subject of organization. I do not, however, admit that I am precluded from sanctioning reductions of staff or expenditure in various Departments, where such reduction is compatible with efficiency, nor even that it is necessary to postpone all such reduction until the completion of the work of the Royal Commission, which may occupy a considerable time.
§ MR. ARTHUR O'CONNOR (Donegal, E.)asked, if the re-organization would increase the pension list?
§ MR. GOSCHENreplied that the re-organisation had yet to be decided on, 572 and he was not prepared to answer the Question.