§ 3. Mr. Thurnhamasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if there are now any estimated reductions to the estimated running costs of Government Departments listed in his answer of 9 April to the hon. Member for Bolton, North-East, Official Report, column 90.
§ The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Peter Rees)Yes. Provisional outturn for 1983–84 is nearly £70 million less than the estimate published on 9 April.
§ Mr. ThurnhamI thank my right hon. and learned Friend for his encouraging reply. Has he any further initiatives in mind?
§ Mr. ReesYes, indeed. Various efficiency studies are being carried out by the efficiency unit under Sir Robin Ibbs. The financial management initiative has also been launched, which aims to secure tighter control of running costs, and there is, of course, continuing pressure on Civil Service numbers.