HC Deb 01 July 1948 vol 452 c2352
18. Mr. Swingler

asked the Minister of Health if he will make a statement indicating the scope of his discussions with representatives of local authority associations and Government Departments to explore the possibility of simplifying administrative arrangements in order to reduce manpower in the local government service.

Mr. Bevan

The intention is that the discussion will cover the whole field of the arrangements between Government Departments and local authorities.

Mr. Swingler

Does my right hon. Friend hold out any hope that the reduction of 30,000 during this year forecast in the Economic Survey will be achieved?

Mr. Bevan

That is another question entirely. This Question relates to the scope of the discussions about simplifying administrative arrangements.