HC Deb 24 January 1985 vol 71 cc1123-4
14. Mr. Thurnham

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what further action he is taking to control the total running costs of his Department.

Mr. Hayhoe

The Treasury's plans were set out in the White Papers on financial management, which were published in September 1983 and July 1984. Their objective is to keep running costs to the minimum to do the work effectively.

Mr. Thurnham

Will my hon. Friend confirm that he is doing all in his power to achieve savings through the privatisation of public sector operations?

Mr. Hayhoe

Yes, I can give my hon. Friend that assurance. In the Treasury, domestic cleaning services and some other supporting services such as laundry and press cuttings are already contracted out. The central computer and telecommunications agency and the Chessington computer centre use the services of computer consultants and software houses.

Mr. Haynes

As the hon. Gentleman is the same Minister who used to come to the Dispatch Box bragging about laying off civil servants, will he say whether the reduction in numbers means more people going on the dole because they have lost their jobs in his Department and others?

Mr. Hayhoe

No, it means increased effectiveness and efficiency in the public service and better value for the taxpayers' money. I should have thought that that would be supported in all parts of the House.