HC Deb 23 July 1980 vol 989 cc253-4W
65. Mr. Canavan

asked the Minister for the Civil Service whether he will arrange to meet representatives of the Civil Service trades unions to discuss staffing levels in the Civil Service.

Mr. Channon

I am always ready to meet the Civil Service trade unions, and frequently do.

72. Mr. Eggar

asked the Minister for the Civil Service what services his Department is able to provide to other Departments to assist them in reducing Civil Service manpower to the target figure of 630,000 by 1984.

Mr. Channon

My Department is providing assistance to Departments in many ways. This includes guidance on, and participation in, staff inspections, reviews of organisation and management, computer and telecommunications schemes, cost-cutting exercises in Departments and scrutinies of particular functions. My Department is also working closely with Sir Derek Rayner in following up ways of improving efficiency and in applying these lessons as widely as possible in the Civil Service.