HC Deb 26 January 1953 vol 510 cc669-70
53. Mr. Langford-Holt

asked the Minister of National Insurance what steps he is taking to reduce from 6 per cent. the percentage ratio of administrative expenses of his Department to the total sum paid out in benefits.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of National Insurance (Mr. R. H. Turton)

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Huntingdon (Mr. Renton) on 10th November, 1952, a copy of which I am sending him.

Mr. Langford-Holt

Could my hon. Friend tell the House at what figure he and the Minister are aiming, as, quite obviously, there is such a figure.

Mr. Turton

Up to the middle of December there was a saving of staff of some 960. Since that date we have been taking every step to simplify and reduce the amount of administrative work in this Department.

Mr. Blenkinsop

Is the Minister aware that the Ministry expense ratio is much lower than that of comparable private companies?