§ Mr. Heddle asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he is satisfied with the usefulness of and the response to the statistical surveys carried out by his Department; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Waddington:These matters have recently been clearly and fully examined in the review of statistical services co-ordinated by Sir Derek Rayner in which important changes were recommended. Details of the changes which it is proposed to make, subject to consultation, were published in the action report "Review 245W of Statistical Services in Department of Employment and Manpower Services Commission", which was also reproduced in the May issue of the Employment Gazette. These proposals, and other planned changes, are expected to produce reductions in the cost of statistical services from £15.4 million in 1979 to £10 million in 1984, all at 1979 prices, and in numbers of permanent staff from 1,430 to 960.