HC Deb 20 July 1981 vol 9 cc48-9W
Mr. John Garrett

asked the Minister of State for the Civil Service what are the effects of manpower ceilings on the ability of Her Majesty's Stationery Office to operate under trading fund arrangements.

Mr. Hayhoe

Currently, none.

Mr. John Garrett

asked the Minister for the Civil Service what staff reductions in Her Majesty's Stationery Office are planned for 1981 and 1982; and whether the planned reduction of 1,000 posts in the Lord President of the Council's departments has yet been allocated.

Mr. Hayhoe

Present plans are to reduce HMSO manpower by some 140 by 1 April 1982. Figures for other periods are net available. A decision on the allocation of the 1,000 posts referred to has not yet been made.

Mr. John Garrett

asked the Minister for the Civil Service if he will publish the directions given to the controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office regarding the operation of his department as a trading fund.

Mr. Hayhoe

To achieve the financial objective settled with the Treasury and any manpower ceilings set by Ministers.

Mr. John Garrett

asked the Minister for the Civil Service, further to his answer to the hon. Member for Norwich, South on 29 June, Official Report, c. 260, when the proposed review of Her Majesty's Stationery Office reprographic services will be started; who will carry it out; and what consultation there will be with staff side organisations.

Mr. Hayhoe

The Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office informed trade union representatives on 15 July that, in view of mounting losses, his newly appointed Director of Reprographics had been instructed to begin the proposed review at once. Consultations will follow the normal course.