HC Deb 04 May 1933 vol 277 cc1003-4
30. Sir GIFFORD FOX

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he can make any statement as to the rate of mechanisation in Government offices, indicating those Departments where machines have been introduced, and the public economy which has thereby been effected?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

It is the policy of the Government to proceed steadily with the introduction of mechanised methods into Government Departments wherever suitable; and expert officers are available for advice in this connection. The possibility of economical use varies from the adoption of such machines on a small scale in practically all Departments, to the use of large batteries as in the Post Office, the Ministries of Health and Labour, and the Customs and Excise Department. A careful estimate made in 1931 showed that, as stated by the Committee on National Expenditure, an annual saving of about £500,000 had been secured in the previous five years in some 12 of the largest Departments and while progress at this rate could hardly be maintained, further important economies have been introduced since that date.