§ 5. Mr. Strangasked the Minister for the Civil Service what representations he has received from the Civil Service unions following his announcement on 6 December about cuts in manpower.
§ Mr. ChannonMy right hon. and noble Friend the Lord President and I met representatives of the National Staff Side immediately after the announcement on 6 December and they put to us their views on the manpower reductions. Since then they have been in contact with my Department on a number of occasions.
§ Mr. StrangIn view of the evidence that is coming to light that the Government are making manpower cuts and are farming work out to the private sector 431 even where there are no apparent financial savings, will the Minister say whether it is Government policy to farm out work to the private sector even where there is no evidence of increase in efficiency or reduction in cost?
§ Mr. ChannonThe Government's policy on putting work out to the private sector is that it should be done onl where there is clear operational or economic justification.