§ 97. Sir W. Smithersasked the Minister of Works what steps he has taken during 1952, and what steps he will take in 1953, in order substantially to reduce the costs of his Department; and if he will take steps to stop all trading activities.
§ Mr. EcclesI have taken a number of steps to reduce the costs of my Department. The results of the economies already made is shown in the reduction in my non-industrial staff by over 1,000 in the last 12 months. In spite of the additional work of the Coronation preparations further economies are being made. Most of my Department's work is done for other Departments and very large savings can only be achieved if they reduce their requirements.
My Department is not engaged in trading activities.