56. Sir F. HALLasked the Prime Minister whether, in connection with the declared policy of the Government to effect large economies in Civil Service expenditure, it is proposed to reorganise the existing departments with a view to obtaining a more systematic distribution of work: and, if so, whether there will be a preliminary inquiry into the matter by a Royal Commission or other body?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Baldwin)No, Sir. His Majesty's Government does not at present contemplate any such re-allocation of the functions of public departments as my hon. and gallant Friend would appear to have in mind.
Sir F. HALLIf there is this hopeful anticipation of saving £10,000,000 a year on the Civil Service, how is this economy going to be effected if we carry on exactly the same policy as we are doing at the present time?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI suggest that that question should be put to the Treasury.
Mr. BECKETTAre we to take it that it is now definitely decided that the Ministries which the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced would be wound up are not to be wound up?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe hon. Gentleman has not been very much in the House during recent months, and he may not have heard the very full answer which I gave on this subject, a copy of which I shall be very pleased to send to him.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYDo I understand that the Prime Minister has resigned his position as First Lord of the Treasury, because he referred my hon. Friend to the Treasury?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI should have thought that my hon. and gallant Friend, with his knowledge of this House, would have known that the use of the word "Treasury" is limited to the departmental Treasury.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYDoes that mean that the Prime Minister has no further responsibility for the Treasury?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNot at all.