§ Mr. SproatTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what progress he has made in achieving the target of a reduction of 1.5 per cent. in his Department's running costs for the present financial year, in the first half of this financial year; and what specifically has been saved, by what means and in what areas of his responsibility.
§ Mr. NorrisMy Department's running costs budget for financial year 1992–93 contains planned savings significantly in excess of 1.5 per cent.
The review of running costs at the mid-point of the financial year showed that the Department was within budget. The forecast outturn for the full year is also forecast to be within budget.
The savings initiatives are wide-ranging and varied. They include the continued equipment of most administrative staff with word processors, which has allowed the closure of a typing pool and a reduction in the number of typists, the computerisation of traffic area offices and a reduction in their number from eleven to eight, the contracting out of stationery and publications, energy conservation measures, and reductions in accommodation 91W costs, as well as initiatives across the whole Department at working level to improve the effectiveness with which all resources are used.
Further details of the efficiency targets set by my Department are given in the departmental management plan 1992–95, a copy of which is in the House of Commons Library.