§ 78. Mr. Pageasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what organised suggestion scheme is in operation in his Department; how many suggestions are received from employees through that organisation annually; how many are adopted; what awards are made for such suggestions; and what he estimates to be the savings made by the adoption of employees' suggestions.
§ Mr. Wingfield DigbyThe Admiralty has operated an organised suggestions scheme for nearly half a century. Indus trial staff are encouraged individually and through joint production committees to make suggestions for improving efficiency. Local awards committees may make awards up to £25 and higher amounts may be authorised for suggestions of special merit. In addition, all members of the naval service are encouraged to make suggestions for improving equipment, and these may also result in awards. Suggestions by non-industrial staff for improving office equipment or organisation are considered by Whitley committees, and staff records are noted when worthwhile suggestions are adopted.
In the last two financial years for which statistics are available, some 800 suggestions and inventions have been considered, of which over one half have been adopted. It is not possible to assess the resultant savings.