§ Colonel BURTONasked the Prime Minister whether the proposed Committee of the Cabinet to inquire into Departmental expenditure has yet been set up; and, if so, what progress is being made with its investigations?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer which I gave on the 15th June, in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Cardigan (Mr. Morris).
§ Sir F. SYKESasked the Prime Minister what steps have been taken, and are being taken, in regard to reducing, simplifying and effecting substantial economies in the machinery of Government Departments, as recommended by the Haldane Committee?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIt would not be possible within the limits of Question and Answer to describe in detail the various changes in the machinery of Government that have been made since the Committee referred to presented its Report. I might, however, mention, as important instances in which effect has been given to the. Committee's general recommendations, the amalgamation of the Local Government Board and the National Health Insurance Commission, the concentration in one Department of all land transport questions, the recent establishment of the Civil Research Committee, and the strengthening of the machinery for the improvement of organisation and office methods in the public service. My hon. and gallant Friend may rest assured that the task of securing every possible economy in administration, whether by concentration or absorption of functions or otherwise, is one that is receiving the unremitting attention of His Majesty's Government.