HC Deb 23 July 1980 vol 989 cc254-5W
69. Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

asked the Minister for the Civil Service what specific measures his Department will be taking to improve the efficiency of Departments in the coming year.

Mr. Channon

My Department will control manpower and other administrative expenditure and will ensure that Departments are on course for the aim of a smaller Civil Service announced by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 13 May. In addition, it will continue to offer guidance on and to participate in staff inspections, reviews of organisation and management, computer and telecommunications schemes, cost-cutting exercises in Departments and scrutinies of particular functions. It will intensify the pursuit of efficiency saving by following through ideas for improving efficiency which have arisen from the scrutinies programme and applying them to other parts of the Civil Service.

In collaboration with Sir Derek Rayner, officials are co-ordinating the Government-wide review of statistical services; as well as working on a number of general Civil Service issues affecting the work of departments.

If my hon. Friend has any particular points in mind perhaps he will get in touch with me.