HC Deb 15 December 1925 vol 189 cc1169-70
49. Sir FRANK NELSON

asked the Prime Minister whether in the Government inquiry into economy special attention is being given to the cost of salaries and expenses of Government Departments other than the Admiralty, War Office, and Air Ministry, with especial reference to considering such reduction of administrative and clerical staff as may be possible without endangering efficiency?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Baldwin)

The administrative costs of all Government Departments are under careful examination, and no opportunity will be lost of effecting such economies as may be compatible with the efficient discharge of public business.

Sir F. NELSON

How can economies such as are indicated in this question be carried out except by imposing on the permanent staffs of the various Ministries the somewhat invidious duty of suggesting cuts in their own Departments?

The PRIME MINISTER

You may have cuts in the Departments which lead to economy, but it is extraordinarily difficult to secure economy by discharging civil servants, as the hon. Member would know if he had had to face up to that question.

Sir F. NELSON

May I suggest to the Prime Minister that he might favourably consider appointing an independent committee, with one or two Members from the back benches of his own party, who are only too anxious to assist in work of this nature?

The PRIME MINISTER

I quite agree, but it would be impossible, even for the back benchers, to do away with the pension rights of civil servants.

Mr. H. WILLIAMS

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider ceasing all recruiting for the Civil Service until the numbers have fallen to the appropriate level?

The PRIME MINISTER

That, of course, is another question, and obviously it is one which deserves examination.

Sir J. NALL

With a view to facilitating economy in the Fighting Services, will my right hon. Friend consider the appointment of a separate Estimates Committee for the Fighting Services?

The PRIME MINISTER

I think that when the Government has done with the Fighting Services there will not be much work for the Estimates Committee.