§ 48. Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Minister for the Civil Service what representations she has received about the effect of Her Majesty's Government policies on Government statistical services.
§ Mr. HayhoeA number of representations about the Government's social survey work have come from interested individuals and organisations. Also, questions about the need for particular statistical returns have come from industry, commerce and individuals. A White Paper on the Government statistical services is being published this afternoon.
§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Minister for the Civil Service pursuant to her reply to the hon. Member for Walverhampton, North-East on 11 March, if she is yet in a position to announce the results of the review of the Government statistical services carried out by Sir Derek Rayner.
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§ Mr. HayhoeThe Government have today published a White Paper on the results of the review of Government statistical services. The full range of background reports is being made publicly available by the Ministers concerned at the same time.
The Government aim to make savings of £25 million a year in statistical costs by 1984 and to reduce the numbers of posts involved by about 2,500. Businesses will be relieved of the burden of three-quarters of a million statistical returns. These savings will be achieved mainly as a result of careful and detailed reviews carried out over the last year by Ministers and their staff in each Department with the help of Sir Derek Rayner. The Government's statistical effort will remain a substantial one, employing 6,500 staff and costing £75 million a year, The essential statistical services will continue and their management will be stronger. The reviews are consistent with the Government's policies for achieving a smaller Civil Service concentrating on the efficient performance of essential tasks.