HC Deb 29 April 1981 vol 3 c784
44. Mr. Sainsbury

asked the Minister for the Civil Service whether she is satisfied with the advice available to enable her to identify ways of carrying out work more simply and efficiently.

The Minister of State, Civil Service Department (Mr. Barney Hayhoe)

I get a good deal of good advice from my officials and as a result of work in Departments on improving efficiency and economy, including work done with the help of Sir Derek Rayner.

Mr. Sainsbury

That is another encouraging answer. In an organisation such as the Civil Service, which is run by civil servants who have virtually no outside management experience, is it not valuable to have independent advice, particularly on using the latest methods and machinery for matters such as information storage, retrieval and transmission?

Mr. Hayhoe

I assure my hon. Friend that good advice is welcomed from all quarters. From time to time advice is sought from consultants and outside experts. We are conscious of the need for greater efficiency, which can be achieved by the increased use of new technology. Cost-effective applications of technology are always being sought. We have 500 microcomputers and 350 word processors within the Civil Service. The number of such machines is increasing.

Mr. Norman Hogg

Does the Minister agree that efficiency is assisted by good industrial relations? If so, will he accept that by tearing up the pay agreement with the Civil Service the Government have not assisted efficiency?

Mr. Speaker

Order. The hon. Gentleman has anticipated the next question.

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