§ 27. Mr. Rostasked the Minister for the Civil Service what contribution his Department is making towards the Government's targets of containing public expenditure.
§ Mr. Charles R. MorrisMinisters are considering what reductions in their manpower needs may flow from their policy of reducing planned future public expenditure.
We remain committed to the principle that the Civil Service must be properly staffed to carry out the work that Parliament gives it to do. Significant reductions in its size cannot be achieved solely by increased efficiency and therefore must largely follow decisions about how work can be reduced. Reductions will, therefore, take some time to have full effect. In the short term, however, there is likely to be further growth in numbers to deal with existing work, particularly where this is demand-related, as in the payment of unemployment benefits.
§ Mr. MorrisThat is a matter for Parliament itself to decide.