§ 26. Mr. Murphyasked the Paymaster General if he will list the ministerial functions of his office.
§ Mr. GummerI am responsible for matters affecting the running and administration of the Paymaster General's Office at Crawley. I also hold certain offices connected with the Royal hospital, Chelsea; the Duke of York's school; the Royal Patriotic Fund Corporation; and the Drouly Officers' widows' fund.
§ Mr. MurphyI congratulate my hon. Friend on the broad breadth of experience that he will gain from his appointment as Paymaster General. Does he feel that there are areas for privatisation within his remit?
§ Mr. GummerI yield to no one in my enthusiasm for privatisation. On my visit next week to the computer works at Crawley, I shall consider that matter carefully. I believe it unlikely that there is scope for privatisation, because we are an efficient operation that has to be kept under Government control because we are paying out Government money.