§ Q32. Mr. Timothy Smithasked the Prime Minister if she is satisfied with the measures that have been taken to date to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Civil Service.
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§ The Prime MinisterYes. The White Paper on "Efficiency and Effectiveness in the Civil Service" (Cmnd. 8616) describes the measures which have been taken and the progress which has been made. For example, centrally co-ordinated scrutinies and reviews alone have, since 1979, identified potential savings worth about £274 million a year, plus once-and-for-all savings of about £39 million, as well as resulting in streamlined procedures, improved organisation and a better service to the public.
But much remains to be done. The White Paper also sets out the further work that is needed, including measures to strengthen financial management, improve efficiency and get better value for the taxpayer's money within the Civil Service.
My right hon. and noble Friend the Lord Privy Seal will shortly be announcing the programme of centrally co-ordinated efficiency work for 1983.