§ Mr. Proctorasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will set out in the Official Report the reasons for the continuous increase in the total cost of administration of his Department since 1979; what steps he is taking to reduce these costs; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GummerThe main reason for the increase in the cost of administration of my Department was the rise in unemployment. Nevertheless the administration costs of the unemployment benefit service expressed as a ratio of the amount of benefits paid has fallen from 8.8 per cent. to 5.8 per cent. over the period 1979–80 to 1982–83.
The Department is co-operating fully in the Government's drive for improved financial management, notably in developing its management accounting and operational review arrangements.