§ 19. Mr. Osborneasked the Paymaster-General why, since his staff has fallen from 7,202 in 1948–49 to 2,044 in 1958–59, his administrative expenses have fallen in the same period only from £3,518,994 to £2,381,450; what action he proposes to take to reduce his administrative expenses; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir I. HorobinThe Department employed a higher proportion of lower-paid56W staff ten years ago to deal with the day-to-day work of various controls that have since been done away with. Moreover, salaries have risen appreciably in the meantime. Administrative expenditure is regularly reviewed and is being further examined in the light of the Report of the Select Committee on Estimates.
§ 20. Mr. Osborneasked the Paymaster-General how many of his staff are on the permanent establishment; and what he estimates would be the saving in money and manpower if the recommendations of the Select Committee on Estimates were accepted and his Department closed down altogether.
§ Sir I. HorobinThe Select Committee on Estimates did not so recommend.