§ 44. Mr. Rentonasked the Minister of Pensions what steps he has taken during 1952, and what steps he will be taking in 1953, in order to reduce substantially the administration costs of his Department.
Mr. AmoryVarious measures for securing administrative economies have been adopted, including the closing of establishments, and improvements in internal processes. A reduction of nearly 2,500 staff has taken place in the last four years, including a reduction of over 600 up to date during 1952. Every effort will be made to achieve further economies during 1953, so far as may be consistent with the maintenance of the Department's services for the war disabled.
§ Mr. RentonDoes the answer given by my hon. Friend indicate that his Department was seriously overstaffed by comparison with its needs before the present Government came into power?
Mr. AmoryMy hon. Friend will bear in mind, of course, that the number of pensions in payment is steadily reducing, and that has enabled us to produce the results I have mentioned.