HC Deb 09 February 1949 vol 461 cc63-5W
88. Mr. Sharp

asked the Postmaster-General what is the size and qualifications of the Organisation and Methods team appointed at the end of 1947 to make a full-scale inquiry into the Post Office Savings Bank; what proportion of their time has been devoted to this work; why it has taken over a year to make a preliminary investigation; and whether he proposes strengthening the team in order to bring the investigations to a speedy conclusion.

Mr. Wilfred Paling

The investigating body consists of eight members, four being members of the Treasury Organisation and Methods staff, two members of the Post Office Headquarters Organisation and Methods staff and two, including the Secretary, senior officers of the Post Office Savings Bank. Four members are occupied entirely on the work and the others devote a substantial part of their time to it. The preliminary stage of the investigation comprised a complete examination and charting of the present system and procedure, as well as the collection of statistical and other material, to enable the members to reach conclusions on the efficiency of the present organisation and to assist them in the formulation of schemes for reorganisation. In view of the size and complexity of the system I do not think the time occupied is unreasonable and I do not think that it would be of advantage to increase the size of the team.

89. Mr. Sharp

asked the Postmaster-General why, in view of the changes made in the system of the clearing banks, there has been no substantial change during the last 20 years in the main system, including organisation and methods, operated by the Post Office Savings Bank; and what recommendations have been made on the need for such change.

Mr. Wilfred Paling

I would remind my hon. Friend that the Post Office Savings Bank introduced in 1927 a mechanised system which was, I think I can claim, the most up-to-date system then devisable. Changes in organisation have, of course, taken place but it is by no means clear that the mechanised system can be improved upon. It is precisely because we wish to keep abreast of the times that an Organisation and Methods investigation is now being carried out.