§ Mr. John Pageasked the Secretary of State for War what steps he has taken to improve efficiency and reduce manpower by reorganising his Department with the help of the Treasury Organisation and Methods Section; what use his Department makes of outside management consultants; and what such action he is proposing in the near future.
§ Mr. RamsdenThe War Office has its own Organisation and Methods branch. This branch keeps in close touch with the Treasury O. & M. Division, and relies on its help both in the training of its staff and in carrying out its assignments. It is continuously engaged (as are other Management Services' branches in the War Office) in studies designed to promote greater efficiency and economy. It has, for example, been concerned in the introduction of very large Automatic Data Processing systems.
Outside consultants are employed when necessary to supplement the resources of the Department. Management consultants are at present advising the Department on the greater use of costing as an aid to management.
§ Mr. John Pageasked the Secretary of State for War how many different types of printed forms are used in his department for internal and external use, respectively; and whether all these forms are included in the List of Standard 138W Books, Forms, etc., for use in the Public Service published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office.
§ Mr. RamsdenAbout 4,100, including printed forms used by the Army. The majority of these forms are used internally and about 100 are included in the List mentioned in the Question.