§ 55. Mr. William Brownasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he proposes to take to reorganise the Civil Service so as to make it a more efficient instrument for the discharge of public business?
§ The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Sir Kingsley Wood)The question of the efficiency of the Civil Service for the tasks which it is called upon to perform is kept constantly under review. Changes in organisation and procedure will continue to be made wherever they can properly and advantageously be introduced.
§ Mr. BrownIs the Chancellor aware that there are many thousands of civil servants whose services are not being fully utilised at the present time, that both they and their organisations are deeply ashamed of that situation, and that they have made strong representations to the Government about this matter; and does he propose to leave the existing situation where it now stands?
§ Sir K. WoodNo, Sir. We keep the matters to which my hon. Friend refers constantly under review. My hon. Friend's statement in reply to Lord Perry, I think, generally took the line that the Civil Service as a whole was extremely efficient.
§ Mr. BrownWhen will the Chancellor of the Exchequer cease to keep this matter under review and do something about it?
§ Sir K. WoodWe are always doing something.