2. Mrs. SHAWasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, along with the reduction of education grants to local authorities, he has effected any economy in the central administration of the Scottish Education Department since the financial crisis of 1931; and, if so, to what extent?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Mr. Skelton)As a result of measures taken since 1931, the staff of the Scottish Education Department has been reduced by one staff officer, two executive officers, six clerical officers and one temporary clerk. The annual saving from this reduction of staff is estimated at £2,700. Other economies in office administration, inspection, travelling, the expenses of the Royal Scottish Museum, etc., bring the total annual saving up to approximately £9,350 on a vote of £146,523—about 6.4 per cent.
§ Mr. NEIL MACLEANCan the hon. Gentleman say if there has been any loss of efficiency from the financial economies which he has effected?
§ Mr. SKELTONNo, Sir, I have not detected any.