HC Deb 06 December 1949 vol 470 cc1704-5
50. Mr. Geoffrey Cooper

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the Government's decision to reduce Government staff to a minimum to curtail expenditure, he will set up a new working party so that advice from an independent source on appropriate methods can be obtained.

Sir S. Cripps

No, Sir. Advice from independent sources is already sought in appropriate cases.

Mr. Cooper

Can the Chancellor say if the Organisation and Methods Division come into this matter and if so, could he give consideration to the advisory panel of outside people being augmented for this purpose in respect of such organisations as have a special interest in organisational problems, such as the British Institute of Management and the Institute of Public Administration?

Sir S. Cripps

I think we are satisfied that a large and efficient enough panel exists at present.

Mr. Henry Strauss

Does the right hon. and learned Gentleman consider that working parties are useful in curtailing expenditure and, if so, will he set up one to consider the groundnut scheme?