§ 51. Mr. HURDasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has considered the fact that the administration of the Ministry of Education cost's the taxpayer nearly twice as much as in 1913, while much of its former work has since that date been thrown upon local authorities and the ratepayers; and what steps he is taking to induce the Ministry to effect further administrative economies?
§ Sir J. BAIRDMy right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer is aware of the increase of cost referred to. It is due in a small measure to an increase in the number of the staff of the Board, but the greater part of it is attributable to changes in rate of remuneration on cost of living grounds. While it is true that the Board are, so far as is possible, pursuing a policy of decentralisation much new work has been thrown on the Board since 1913. The expenditure on the Board's staff has already been brought below the figure suggested by the Committee on National Expenditure, and the numbers will continue to be the subject of very careful scrutiny with a view to making such reductions as may from time to time be found practicable.
§ Mr. HURDCan the hon. Gentleman say whether there is any truth in the statement that the Ministry of Education is one of the Departments which has recently received an intimation from the Treasury to revise its Estimates?
§ Sir J. BAIRDThat intimation has been sent to every Department.