HC Deb 17 March 1969 vol 780 c6
7. Mr. David Howell

asked the Minister for the Civil Service what proposals he has received for the application of improved cost control techniques to research establishments in the Civil Service.

Mr. George Thomson

I have been asked to reply.

Departments responsible for research establishments are concerned to improve cost control and have evolved improved techniques in recent years. These vary because of differences in the fields covered, but information is exchanged. The Management Accounting Unit of the Treasury reported last year on the scope for using costing techniques in research councils establishments.

Mr. Howell

But would the right hon. Gentleman accept that this is a very large area of public expenditure in which there is a good deal of concern about the blurring of responsibilities and confusion over who is in charge of these research projects and research expenditure? Will he see that the division of the Civil Service Department concerned with cost control applies its attention to this area of Government spending as soon as possible?

Mr. Thomson

Yes, Sir.