§ 48. Mr. Vernon Bartlettasked the Prime Minister whether, in order to stimulate interest in our national recovery, he will cause to be set up a central office for 1413 obtaining and dealing with ideas and suggestions for greater efficiency from all public servants, employees of nationalised industry and members of the Armed Forces, with a system of awards for those ideas which are considered to be to the national advantage.
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. No further machinery is required. Machinery for considering suggestions, and making awards where appropriate, already exists in the Civil Service. There are also special arrangements for members of the Armed Forces. There is provision in the legislation setting up the nationalised industries for the Boards to establish whatever machinery they consider necessary for considering suggestions by their employees for promoting efficiency in those industries.
§ Mr. BartlettIs not the Prime Minister aware that according to the Organisation and Methods Division of the Treasury three-quarters of the Government Departments have no real suggestion schemes in operation; and is he aware that the American War Department claim to have paid in the last four years more than £40 million through a similar scheme? Will the right hon. Gentleman look into the matter again, because his own Treasury document completely contradicts what he has said?
§ The Prime MinisterIt does not completely contradict it. Many Departments already have schemes and others have them under consideration. The matter is receiving attention. That is the best way of doing it.