§ Mr. Kenneth Lewisasked the Minister for the Civil Service what instructions he has given his Department on the numbers permitted to attend public visits or other functions paid for by his Department; and whether he has sought a re-ruction in the cost of such official visits.
§ Mr. ChannonCivil servants attend public visits and other functions when this is essential to the efficient execution of official business. The numbers involved are carefully scrutinised to ensure that they are the minimum consistent with the nature of the business to be conducted. I have specifically instructed senior management in my Department to identify economies wherever possible. Notices issued to all staff remind them 169W of the importance of avoiding unnecessary journeys and of using the most cost-effective means of travel for those which are necessary.