§ 59. Mr. Osborneasked the Minister of Food what recent attempts have been made to reduce the charge of £17,600,475 for administrative expenses of his Department.
Mr. F. WileyThe figure quoted by the hon. Member refers to the financial year 1949–50. The equivalent provision for the current year is nearly £3 million lower. This is mainly due to constant efforts to effect economies through the amalgamation of certain regional offices, the concentration of local food offices and other changes which have resulted in a reduction of 9,300 in the staff of the Ministry.
§ Mr. OsborneIf economies amounting to £3 million have been effected on administration in his Department, does not the hon. Gentleman think that in the coming year another £3 million saving could be effected if the matter was properly attended to?
§ Sir H. WilliamsIs it not the case that the administrative costs per pound of beef that we consume are higher than those paid last year?